What Happened at the Airport?
On July 21, IVE member Jang Wonyoung appeared at the airport for her trip to the Paris Music Festival but unexpectedly “lost her composure” due to an unusual odor at the scene. In a video clip, she first frowned slightly, then discreetly covered her nose and mouth with her fingertips. Although she quickly regained her professional smile, the moment was captured on camera and instantly went viral on the trending searches.
Heated Reactions from Netizens
The incident quickly sparked lively discussions among netizens. Some joked, “Following Yoona, Jang Wonyoung has become the second female idol whose facial expression failed because of a bad smell. Beauty really does come with a sensitive radar!” Others referenced reminders from girl group events: “Please make sure to shower before attending.” Fans expressed sympathy, calling it an “occupational hazard,” and blamed the unpleasant environment for forcing their idol into a “facial expression breakdown.” Many others defended her, saying that covering one’s nose is just a natural reaction, with one humorous suggestion: “In the future, fans should provide a 24-hour shower certificate and a bit of perfume before coming, out of respect for the idol’s nose.” Some praised her for handling the moment gracefully: “She was able to switch back to a professional smile instantly—her expression management is impressive.”
Clashing Opinions
While the majority of netizens were understanding of Jang Wonyoung’s reaction, a few criticized her gesture as disrespectful toward fans, suggesting that public figures should endure or address such issues privately. However, this view was quickly countered: “Idols are human too. Why shouldn’t they cover their nose if they smell something unpleasant? Do they have to hold it in until they faint just to appear professional?”
A Small Incident, a Big Conversation
Although this “nose-covering incident” may seem trivial, it unexpectedly sparked discussions about public hygiene and an idol’s professional demeanor. One netizen summed it up perfectly: “Jang Wonyoung showed a genuine reaction while remaining polite. It actually made her feel more relatable—after all, even a goddess can be caught off guard by a bad smell.”
