A Whiff and a Viral Moment
On 21 July, IVE member Jang Won-young was seen at Incheon Airport, en route to a music festival in Paris.
As she walked past a crowd of fans, cameras captured a brief but telling moment: the 20-year-old idol frowned slightly before covering her nose with her hand, then quickly composed herself with a professional smile.
The clip spread quickly online, with netizens zeroing in on what many interpreted as a candid reaction to an unpleasant smell in the crowd.
Despite the swift return to her usual poise, the moment became the internet’s new obsession.
Shower Talk on Social Media
Not long after the incident, Jang Won-young posted on Bubble, a fan messaging app, mentioning how much she enjoys staying clean and showering — a remark fans saw as a subtle reminder to practice good hygiene before attending public fan events.
The post fueled further amusement online, with many recalling similar past moments in K-pop — including another idol’s visible reaction earlier this year, and reminders from other groups asking concertgoers to freshen up before shows.
Viewer Reactions
While most fans took the incident in stride, some began debating whether idols should have to silently endure discomfort in such situations.
Still, many defended the brief gesture as a natural human reaction.
Others found humour in the situation and found it to be the perfect ground for cracking jokes.
One user pointed out that fans who can afford to see their idols could surely get deodorant?
Not Just a K-pop Problem
What began as a light-hearted moment has since opened up a broader conversation about hygiene, personal boundaries, and the unrealistic expectations placed on celebrities — especially in high-contact fan culture.
In the tightly choreographed world of K-pop, where idols are expected to maintain composure at all times, even a small gesture like covering one’s nose can become headline-worthy. But it also serves as a reminder that behind the makeup and media presence are human beings with very human senses.
A Gentle Reminder for Everyone
Jang Won-young’s brief airport moment may have gone viral, but it also left a clear takeaway. Whether you’re heading to a fan meet, concert, or even just out in public — hygiene matters. For the comfort of those around you (idol or not), maybe take that extra five minutes to freshen up.
After all, nobody wants to become the unintentional star of the next viral hashtag…
Watch the clip here:
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