IVE’s Wonyoung Under Scrutiny Over Her Behavior Toward Male Executive

IVE member Wonyoung has once again become a hot topic due to a recent public interaction.

The incident in question took place during a recent BVLGARI exhibition on October 28, where Wonyoung was in attendance as one of the brand ambassadors.

During the photocall at the event, Wonyoung posed with top-level executives of BVLGARI, including the CEO Laura Burdese. Before posing for the cameras, the idol exchanged a European-style greeting with Burdese with cheek kisses. However, when it came to greeting the Global Sales and Retail Executive Vice President, Vincezo Puija, Wonyoung was seen quickly withdrawing her face while smiling. The senior executive appeared to be in an awkward position, though he recovered quickly.

불가리 남자 경영진과 외국식 인사 거부한 장원영

임원 행님 좀 많이 민망해 보이시네 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
누구 하나 잘못한 건 없지만 상황이 머쓱코쓱ㅋㅋㅋ pic.twitter.com/FLrGx4KH93

— 딱밤 (@ddakbbam1) October 30, 2026

The clip of this particular interaction has gone massively viral on social media, sparking heated debates. Some felt that Wonyoung’s behavior was at fault and criticized her for not being sensitive toward the customs of the guests.

bitch you’re at an italian brand event, you abide to the italian ways like wtf are you doing. the same way y’all koreans want non koreans to abide to your ways in your country

— キミ (@rinkkimi) October 30, 2026

This is super awkward. @Bulgariofficial should fire this b**tch

— DwrdJcbGrffth (@DwrdJcbGrffth) October 30, 2026

Is she dumb or what

— justtarotreader (@kpoptarot999) October 30, 2026

However, many netizens came to Wonyoung’s defense, arguing that she had every right to enforce boundaries and refuse physical interactions that made her uncomfortable.

“Jang Wonyoung Refuses Greetings from Male Executives” queen pic.twitter.com/xrVFq3rHrw

— lyiv 💒🪽 (@dearxpriest) October 30, 2026

The double standards of people really need to be studied 😭 They were all crashing out when Brunello Cucinelli placed his hand on Yoojung’s waist at an event, insisting that artists’ boundaries should be respected. But when Wonyoung felt awkward and slightly backed away + pic.twitter.com/5ryYoioNQL

— rose (@w_rosepov) October 30, 2026

Wonyoung has always been clear about setting boundaries in her interactions with men in general.
Recently, the CEO of another brand was involved in an incident where he touched the chest or grabbed the waist of two Asian actresses.
Free wonyoung from haters

— Next time (@CelleciEstMani) October 30, 2026

Meanwhile, Wonyoung’s interaction with Burdese at this same event had previously sparked major criticism. Read more:

IVE Jang Wonyoung’s Behavior At Luxury Brand Event Triggers Divided Response