IVE's Jang Wonyoung Clarifies 'Cheek Greeting' Controversy Involving Male Executive: "I Didn't Refuse, I Just Didn't See Him"

Jang Wonyoung of the group IVE has addressed the recent "cheek greeting" controversy that arose during a luxury brand event.

On November 4, Jang explained via a paid fan communication platform, "During the Bulgari event, I was so disoriented because it was a photo call that I missed a cheek greeting from someone, and it seems people might misunderstand that."

She went on to say, "We are a family-like group who all greeted each other enthusiastically before the event started," adding in bewilderment, "Of course, I just didn't see him. Surely no one thinks I did it on purpose, right? I'd find that really surprising if they did."

The "cheek greeting" mishap sparked online after footage spread of Jang attending an event hosted by the Italian luxury brand Bulgari in Gangnam, Seoul, on October 28.

Attending the event as an official Bulgari ambassador, Jang exchanged cheek greetings with Bulgari CEO Laura Burdese. However, when Vincenzo Pujia, Bulgari's Global Sales and Retail Vice President, attempted to greet her in the same manner, Jang kept a distance with her arm while pulling her head back and turning away. The executive was subsequently seen looking a bit awkward.

Opinions were divided after the video spread online on November 4. Some reacted that it was a breach of business etiquette, claiming that while Jang accepted the cheek greeting from the female CEO, she intentionally avoided the male executive's greeting. On the other hand, some argued that while cheek greetings are a common display of friendliness in European cultures, they can feel somewhat burdensome in cultures less accustomed to physical contact, such as South Korea.

(Photo: Yonhap News / Reported by Kim Ji-hye, SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.