Jang Won-young faces 'bare-face scrutiny' after removing hat at airport

IVE member Jang Won-young has again become the target of online criticism — this time over her bare face — after she removed her hat and mask for identity verification at an airport, drawing what some are calling "bare-face scrutiny."

On Wednesday, Jang arrived at Gimpo International Airport ahead of a schedule in Japan, wearing a navy ball cap and a black mask. She removed both for the identity verification process, revealing her face with little to no makeup.

The move appeared to be a deliberate response to an earlier controversy over whether she had properly complied with airport identity checks.

The moment spread online, however, and quickly drew commentary about her appearance. Some users left personal attacks targeting her looks.

Others responded with sympathy. "Whether she takes it off or not, people make a fuss either way," one user wrote. Others added: "I can't even imagine how much jealousy she's dealing with," "It's heartbreaking — and yet she handles it so well, which is incredible," and "Fighting, Jang Won-young."

The episode follows an earlier incident in May, when Jang departed through Gimpo International Airport for Shanghai, China. At the time, she was photographed briefly lowering her mask during the identity check while keeping her hat on.

Video of that moment circulated through online communities, prompting some users to question whether she had properly completed the verification process. The episode escalated into allegations of preferential treatment and a broader debate over her conduct.

Meanwhile, Korea Airports Corp. updated its website on June 20 to add a notice to its identity verification guidelines, asking travelers to "briefly remove masks, hats and sunglasses to confirm your identity."