IVE draws line on luxury fan gifts after Jang Wonyoung birthday support debate

K-pop group IVE has announced it will no longer accept gifts or fan-funded support beyond handwritten letters, a move that comes amid growing debate over luxury “tribute” culture following the online spread of extravagant birthday presents prepared for member Jang Wonyoung. On Dec. 15, IVE’s agency Starship Entertainment posted a notice on its official channels outlining new guidelines on material fan support. The agency said, “From now on, we have decided not to receive any gifts or support other than fan letters,” clearly signaling an end to so-called ‘jogong,’ a term used in Korea to describe fan-funded luxury gifts. The agency added that the decision was made in hopes that fans’ goodwill could be redirected to places where it is more genuinely needed. “We ask for your broad understanding and cooperation,” the statement said. “If you are currently preparing or planning any form of support, we respectfully decline and will gratefully accept only your heartfelt intentions.” IVE, a six-member girl group that debuted in December 2021, has quickly risen to global pWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times