Another Wonyoung controversy started with a short airport clip. On May 30, IVE departed from Gimpo International Airport for Shanghai. During the identity check, the staff asked Jang Wonyoung to briefly lift her mask and cap so they could compare her face to her passport photo. A short video filmed from behind quickly went viral.
Critics quickly pointed out that at Gimpo International Airport, staff had to ask Wonyoung multiple times just to lower her mask for ID verification. They claimed she only slightly lifted her hat and mask, forcing staff to ask her to lower it further two more times before finishing. To make matters worse, critics focused on how Wonyoung stood with her arms crossed the entire time and then took her passport back with just one hand before walking away.
싸가지😑
— 보리 (@bori_ysy) June 3, 2026
그나저나 연예인 진짜 엄청 말랐다😱
뼈다구만 잇네 그냥 pic.twitter.com/WvJ8XKoICC
Legal Complaint Against WonYoung
Now, the drama has moved past simple fan arguments and escalated into a formal complaint. On June 15, a civil complaint was filed with the Security Management Department of the Gimpo Airport Operations Team over identity verification standards in the international departures hall. The complaint questions how airport staff checks passengers wearing masks or hats, asking if they hold everyone to the same standard. Neither Wonyoung nor Starship has issued a separate official statement on the airport controversy.
Why Gaeul became part of the debate
The controversy got even bigger because her fellow member, Gaeul, went through the same security check right after her. Gaeul fully removed her mask, received her passport with both hands, and gave a small bow before moving on. People pointed to the difference between them as proof that Wonyoung was being rude. But fans disagreed. They said people were holding Wonyoung to a double standard just because she didn’t do the same things as Gaeul.