Is Wonyoung No Longer IVE’s Center? Viral Post Sparks Heated Debate

IVE‘s recent comeback teasers have seemingly ignited heated debate over who the group’s center really is.

With different members being the focus in these concept photos, some are questioning whether Jang Wonyoung still holds the role she was once associated with.

A viral post on Pann has pointed out that the duo known as “Annyeongz” (Wonyoung and Yujin) were traditionally seen as the group’s main visuals in the center. Recently though, more fans have noticed Rei being placed in the middle alongside Yujin, which has raised mixed reactions.

Originally, ‘Annyeongz’ were seen as the representative two centers. But lately, they’ve been swapping out Wonyoung for Rei instead, which has caused some debate among fans.

And in the latest concept photos, the only member who hasn’t been in the center position even once is Leeseo. Both Gaeul and Liz have at least gotten one turn in the center.

Personally, I think it’s fine if they rotate the center spot with each album’s concept photos. For the ‘Love Dive’ concept, Leeseo and Wonyoung were the main centers, while this time it’s Rei and Yujin. So I expect next time it’ll probably be Gaeul and Liz. But seeing how fans keep bringing it up, I kind of wish they would just let Annyeongz take the center spot instead…

— Viral Pann post

The viral post instantly sparked heated reactions from netizens in the comments, with many claiming the original poster is starting up unnecessary controversy.

• “Honestly it feels like you’re the one trying to stir up controversy out of nothing.”
• “If I were Wonyoung, I’d get chills seeing my own fans attacking her members, who she treasures most, just over the center position…”
• “Why is this even a controversy? IVE was never a group with a fixed center. They don’t even have official positions. Why blow this up into something unnecessary?”
• “I really wish they’d just sue everyone who crosses the line. Starship, please read your emails. Everyone knows you monitor Pann, so just go ahead and post a lawsuit notice.”
• “What kind of controversy is this? It’s hilarious.”