How Wonyoung Became The Most Influential K-Pop Idol of All Time
IVE’s Jang Wonyoung was just 14 years old when she first captivated audiences with her talent and charm; she has since then grown a very interesting career that has now made her one of the most prominent figures in K-Pop!
Everything started on Mnet’s famous survival reality show, Produce 48, where Wonyoung competed under Starship Entertainment. Despite her young age, something which was pretty uncommon at the time, Wonyoung’s natural talent, gorgeous visuals, and stage presence helped secure her first place in the competition. This meant Wonyoung had officially won the center position in the survival show’s end product, the girl group previously known as IZONE. Alongside her future IVE bandmate, Yujin, Wonyoung quickly became a very well-known name in K-Pop, leading many to tune into this new girl group.
The group IZONE officially debuted in 2018 and became a beloved addition to the industry, releasing several hit songs like ‘La Vie en Rose’ and ‘Violeta’. However, the group unfortunately didn’t make it far as they officially disbanded in 2021, which left many wondering what would become of IZONE’s iconic members.
From IZONE to IVE
Thankfully, Wonyoung didn’t leave fans hanging for long as she was announced to continue her career in Starship Entertainment’s newest girl group IVE. It was initially her well-known name that seemed to attract audiences to the group, and when IVE debuted in December 2021 with their track ‘ELEVEN’, it became an instant hit, followed by other beloved tracks such as ‘LOVE DIVE’ and ‘AFTER LIKE’.
These successes not only positioned IVE as one of the fastest-growing K-pop groups but also established Wonyoung as one of the industry’s most popular stars, as fans just couldn’t get enough of her now that she was back to working with a stable group. The praise she got from both fans and industry professionals quickly turned her into the “face of the group” as her influence also started to extend far beyond the music scene, even being labeled as 4th Gen’s IT Girl.
One of Wonyoung’s defining qualities that has made her so popular is her ability to perform multiple roles in the group. While she shines as a vocalist and dancer, her role in songwriting really highlights her artistic depth, as it is something she is most often praised for. Speaking to Billboard in 2023, Wonyoung even gave fans a sneak peek into her creative process, describing how she loves to channel her emotions into lyrics:
“At first, I just listen to the song, just to get the feeling and set my mind right, usually at my home or in my room. If I get a certain feeling, I just write the whole song first and then just make little mixes and little changes. I love the process, and I really love writing lyrics.”
Her ability to blend emotional expression with technical skill in songwriting has made her contributions to IVE’s discography extremely noteworthy and only further proves why she is so beloved by fans and netizens alike.
Beyond her musical talent, Wonyoung’s visual appeal and her incredible style have also solidified her status as a global fashion icon. She was even dubbed one of the most beautiful idols in K-pop’s 4th generation, as her doll-like beauty and sophisticated image have made her a favorite among both fans and luxury brands. This has led her to partner with high-end labels like SJSJ, Chaumet, and Bvlgari, as well as beauty collaborations with Kérastase and Laura Mercier, who all love to showcase her otherworldly aesthetic.
Among her numerous collaborations, Wonyoung’s partnership with Miu Miu is especially talked about as she has become the brand’s Seoul ambassador. Her influence is so notable that the items she wears from the brand often sell out almost instantly, making the fashion brand even more exclusive, and this is clear in the ways other brands always seem drawn to her talents.
Going Viral: Iconic Moments
Wonyoung’s ability to capture the public’s attention is another reason she stands out amongst so many other gorgeous and talented idols. Going viral is an easy task for her— even something as ordinary as eating a strawberry has become impossible to avoid online. The live moment initially sparked criticism as many questioned why she had to use both hands to eat a strawberry, but it later became an iconic moment in her roster as fans rallied around her to celebrate her elegance and grace in everyday moments.
Similarly, a concert clip featuring Wonyoung doing a spin on stage captured hearts worldwide and was even allegedly incorporated into a game by the Chinese company Tencent Games, proving exactly how far her reach extends, as even non-fans are being exposed to her.
While her visuals and brand partnerships are undeniably a huge part of her image, her main success seems to be rooted in her work ethic and charisma. Even when she has to deal with negativity, she somehow manages to keep things as professional as possible, showcasing her clear-mindedness as she talked about the subject saying:
“Happiness is the most important thing to me, but in this work, there are things I’m forced to do or hear. But I’ve found a solution: I remind myself that I’m the main character of my life.”
Despite her immense success and untouchable image, Wonyoung is still widely recognized for her humble and approachable personality as she frequently expresses her gratitude towards all the fans who have brought her this far in her journey.
A ‘Clean Girl’ Image & The Rise of “Wonyoungism”
Now, at only 20 years old, Wonyoung has already achieved milestones that many artists spend decades pursuing. As her career continues to skyrocket, many netizens have been left wondering exactly why she has garnered so much attention and success compared to her peers. Some point to the obvious— her stunning visuals, which make her stand out as the ‘face of the group’ in IVE. One popular opinion that surfaced on various online forums claims that Wonyoung’s success stems from her commitment to being a ‘good idol’, as someone who works tirelessly and goes beyond what is expected in every aspect of her career.
Fans have also pointed out how impressive it is that Wonyoung has remained controversy-free despite being thrust into the limelight at such a young age. In K-Pop, scandals and rumors often make headlines, but Wonyoung’s reputation has remained largely untainted, which has only added to her appeal. In fact, netizens often highlight her professionalism and personal efforts, citing how Wonyoung has become fluent in both English and Japanese, speaking them regularly in interviews and while attending events.
This level of self-dedication is something fans find particularly endearing, especially as she always seems to go the extra mile to understand and correct her mistakes, like reviewing several scripts and ensuring her translations are accurate. Many have noted how Wonyoung’s dedication to being a well-rounded person and idol has always been rooted in her philosophy of self-improvement. One fan commented: “Even during Produce 48, we can see how much work she puts in and how she takes criticism really well and learns from it.”
Another fan added, “She has so many schedules, but she’s never shown how tired she is. I don’t like people treating celebrities as gods, but Wonyoung really has so many things to respect about her.” To many, it’s incredibly important that Wonyoung isn’t just a pretty face—she is an idol who consistently strives to improve herself in every aspect, whether it’s through learning new languages, perfecting her performances, or working on her musical skills.
One other key factor contributing to her popularity is her image as a ‘clean girl’. Wonyoung has consistently embodied a healthy and wholesome aesthetic that resonates deeply with fans. She is known to have a disciplined fitness routine, a strict skincare routine, and an overall commitment to maintaining her appearance and well-being, all while managing her idol career. Many fans admire how Wonyoung consistently shares glimpses of her skincare and fitness routines, as she seems to truly be living a lifestyle that emphasizes self-care, positivity, and discipline.
What truly seems to prove this is the fact that she seems to precede herself in all the ways, as even her name has become a symbol of something luxurious. Recently, a new term has emerged online to encapsulate the impact she has on her fans and the entire entertainment industry— “Wonyoungism.” This term has come to represent not just Wonyoung’s undeniable talent but also her stance on self-care, self-improvement, and success. The term is often used to describe the habits and traits she embodies, from confidence and fitness to skincare and academic discipline.
The rise of Wonyoungism shows how fans and netizens idolize Wonyoung for her dedication to maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle, inspiring many of them to adopt similar practices and become the best versions of themselves. Her influence is so strong that many international fans and even non-fans have adopted this term as a symbol of success, not just in K-pop but in daily life.
Ultimately, it is Wonyoung’s ability to stay true to herself while evolving as an artist and a role model that has made her one of the most admired idols of her generation— there’s no doubt that Wonyoung is a star in every sense of the word.
From her breakout moment on Produce 48 to her incredible rise with IVE, Jang Wonyoung has proved that she has what it takes to be called K-Pop’s ‘IT Girl.’ Her stunning visuals, work ethic, musical talent, and unwavering professionalism have all contributed to her meteoric popularity. As her influence continues to grow, Wonyoung remains a symbol of success for countless fans around the globe.
