“Is Jang Won-young Really That Impressive?”: Viral Post Sparks Fierce Debate Over Idol Work Ethic
A trending post on Korean online forum Pann, titled “Honestly, I Don’t Get What’s So Impressive About Jang Won-young,” has soared to the top of the site’s rankings, sparking heated debate among netizens.
In the post, the author criticized the frequent praise Jang Won-young receives for handling her busy schedule, arguing that much of her work is supported by a large team of staff.
The original poster wrote:
“Not talking about her visuals or appearance but people are always praising her for ‘handling her schedule so well.’ Honestly, I just don’t get it. It’s not like she personally plans her schedule, drives herself around, or does her own hair and makeup. There’s a whole team of staff members who take care of everything from A to Z. Even when she goes to the dermatologist or gym, her manager drives her.
So what exactly is so impressive? If I had people doing everything for me, and all I had to do was show up and film a commercial and see my bank account grow, I’d be super motivated too…
AdvertisementIt’s not like she’s exceptionally good at her main job either. Meanwhile, my parents work full-time jobs with only one day off a week. Honestly, they seem way more admirable to me.”
The post quickly drew thousands of views and sparked a wave of comments defending Jang Won-young, arguing that her professionalism and consistent demeanor under pressure are deserving of recognition.
Comments on Pann:
- “You sound exhausting. Then go admire your parents instead. Jang Won-young handles a packed schedule and always shows up looking perfect—of course that’s impressive. No one’s saying she’s the most admirable person on earth.”
- “Imagine people like you—bitter and insecure—throwing shade at you nonstop every day. You don’t think that’s admirable to endure?”
- “If your life was just being chauffeured around and getting to eat and sleep whenever, sure, that would be easy. But she often skips meals, trains constantly, and juggles global and domestic schedules. Despite that, people always say she’s kind and respectful. That deserves real recognition.”
- “Normal people don’t even think like this. Focus on your own life.”
- “This country seriously has some kind of servant DNA complex…”
The discussion has reignited ongoing debates about the public’s expectations of idols, the legitimacy of celebrity labor, and how society measures “real” hard work. As one of K-pop’s most visible figures, Jang Won-young continues to draw both admiration and criticism, reflecting the broader cultural tensions between fame, effort, and perception.
