The member IVE Jang Won-Young was at the center of heated online discussions after fans revealed that they had received birthday gifts for an estimated value ₩ 500 million ($ 365,000).
The idol celebrated his birthday on Sunday, with his community of Chinese fans who released a detailed list of gifts prepared in his honor. Chinese fans are often known for the preparation of the most extravagant gifts among the bases of global fans. According to reports, the sumptuous collection included luxury brand bags, clothing, shoes, hats, perfumes, accessories, cameras, game consoles and character goods, together with smaller personal objects such as cases and pajamas.
For Jang Won-Young’s birthday, gifts included Bvlgari and Van Cleef & Arpels jewels, Miu Miu fashion pieces and even a Nintendo Switch 2 console, Hype reported.
Public opinion uniform
The extravagant value of the gifts quickly became viral, unleashing the debate on the culture of “Jogong”, the practice of long -standing Korean fans to present celebrities with support packages for birthday. In previous years, fandoms openly shared these lists, often comparing the scale of gifts given to idols.
However, public sentiment has moved. Many now criticize the tradition of sending objects at a very expensive price that already enjoy significant gains. Several entertainment agencies have adopted policies without gift, instead encouraging fans to express support through handwritten letters or charity donations.
Koreatimes has collected some online reactions that show an opinion divided on this question. The critics questioned: “Why don’t the agency prohibit it?” And “I can’t understand this culture”. Others defended the gesture, saying: “It is not as if he asked” and “fans did this because they wanted to show their love”.
Agencies that take a position
In response to growing concerns, some agencies have formally rejected expensive gifts, while others limit the offers of symbolic and small fans. With the scope of the support for Jang’s birthday that makes news, the debate on the gift of celebrity has re -emerged again, highlighting the current tension between the traditions of the Fandom and the evolving public perceptions.
