51 Navigating the Paradox: Exploring Body Image Perceptions and Audience Engagement in the Context of Wonyoung from IVE

Navigating the Paradox: Exploring Body Image Perceptions and Audience Engagement in the Context of Wonyoung from IVE

INTRODUCTION

K-pop, or Korean pop music, has become a global cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its infectious melodies, intricate choreography, and visually stunning performances. Beyond its musical prowess, K-pop is synonymous with a meticulously crafted visual aesthetic that often places a spotlight on the physical appearance of its idols. Within this context, the nuanced interplay between beauty standards, audience engagement, and individual experiences comes to the forefront, marking a crucial intersection where the captivating allure of K-pop meets the realities of the industry.

At the forefront of this complex tapestry stands IVE, a rising K-pop girl group that has quickly garnered attention for its dynamic performances, compelling music, and a lineup of exceptionally talented individuals. Comprising a group of young and promising artists, IVE embodies the essence of contemporary K-pop, drawing attention to their elegant and confident concept. One member, in particular, has emerged as a focal point of discussions, analyses, and, perhaps, contradictions regarding body image—Wonyoung.

Jang Wonyoung, born in 2004, stands as a towering figure within IVE at such a young age, literally and figuratively. (Wickes, 2023) At an impressive height of 173 cm, her long legs and striking proportions have become defining features that contribute to her visual appeal, often aligned with conventional standards of beauty within the K-pop industry. (DianneP_Kim, 2023) However, this very visual appeal and her gentle mannerisms have sparked a multifaceted dialogue among audiences, giving rise to what is colloquially referred to as “Wonyoungism.”

To comprehend the significance of Wonyoungism, it is essential to first understand the broader context of K-pop as a cultural export and a form of entertainment that extends far beyond its musical dimensions. K-pop’s global impact has transformed it into a socio-cultural force, shaping perceptions of beauty, identity, and success within South Korea and globally. The industry is known for its intense competition, rigorous training programs, and meticulous curation of each idol’s public image.

As part of this dynamic ecosystem, IVE entered the scene with a fresh and modern approach, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. The group, with its diverse talents and youthful energy, reflects the evolving landscape of K-pop, where each member plays a crucial role in shaping the collective identity of the group. However, within this carefully curated world, the individual experiences of the members, particularly concerning body image, emerge as critical points of analysis.

Wonyoung, as a visual centrepiece of IVE, becomes emblematic of the paradoxical nature of beauty standards within the K-pop industry. Her towering figure and model-like features elicit both admiration and concern from fans and observers alike. The X posts and online discussions surrounding Wonyoung span a spectrum, ranging from expressions of worry about her well-being—prompted by perceptions of extreme thinness—to enthusiastic admiration for her aesthetic appeal and perceived ideal proportions. In an industry where visuals are carefully curated and beauty standards often come under intense scrutiny, Wonyoung’s towering figure, long legs, and striking proportions have become emblematic of a paradox that transcends aesthetics. As the concept of “Wonyoungism” unfolds, the significance of this paradox extends beyond the individual artist, offering a nuanced lens through which to explore the intricate dynamics of body image perceptions and audience engagement within the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop.

This paradox sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of body image perceptions and audience engagement, encapsulated in the rise of Wonyoungism. As we delve into the complexities of this phenomenon, it becomes apparent that Wonyoung’s significance extends beyond her individual experience; it serves as a lens through which we can gain insights into the broader dynamics of the K-pop industry, the construction of beauty ideals, and the impact of such standards on both the artists and their global audience. In navigating this paradox, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of body image in the world of K-pop, exploring the intersections of visual aesthetics, individual experiences, and the ever-evolving cultural landscape

CONCEPT AND THESIS STATEMENT

The phenomenon of ‘Wonyoungism’ represents a fascinating paradox within the realm of K-pop, encapsulating the intricate interplay between body image perceptions, audience engagement, and the construction of beauty standards. As Wonyoung, the visual centrepiece of IVE, becomes a subject of both admiration and concern, the digital discourse surrounding her physique unveils a complex tapestry of emotions, opinions, and societal expectations(Batts, 2023).

Within the realm of K-pop fandoms, digital spaces serve as vibrant arenas where fans engage in discussions, express their adoration, and sometimes, critically dissect the visual presentations of their favourite idols. However, this dynamic interaction is not always positive. The concept of “trolling” comes into play, where individuals deliberately post provocative or inflammatory comments with the intent of inciting emotional responses from others. In the context of Wonyoungism, trolling manifests in comments that oscillate between expressing worry about her perceived thinness to those that celebrate her aesthetic appeal. This duality adds a layer of complexity to the online dialogue, turning it into a battleground of conflicting perspectives.

The discourse surrounding Wonyoung is not limited to mere expressions of concern or admiration; it often takes a darker turn with the emergence of toxic fandom behaviours. In the realm of K-pop, toxic fandom refers to extreme and harmful behaviours exhibited by some fans, including cyberbullying, harassment, and the spread of false rumours. As discussions about Wonyoung’s body image unfold online, some fans may engage in dark participation, actively contributing to the dissemination of negative narratives or participating in harmful discussions about the artist. This dark participation further accentuates the paradox of the Wonyoungism phenomenon, as the very platform that allows fans to express admiration becomes a breeding ground for toxic behaviours.

The concept of “digital dissensus” becomes relevant when analyzing the diverse and conflicting opinions within online discussions about Wonyoung’s body image. Digital dissensus refers to the lack of consensus or agreement in online spaces, where diverse perspectives and opinions lead to fragmented and polarized discussions. The consensus around Wonyoungism reflects the myriad ways in which audiences engage with and interpret body image in K-pop, showcasing the tension between different viewpoints and the challenges of finding common ground within online communities.

Everyday cosplay, a term originating from fandom cultures, refers to the practice of integrating elements of fictional characters or aesthetics into one’s daily wardrobe. In the context of Wonyoungism, fans may engage in everyday cosplay by emulating her style, attempting to embody the perceived idealized beauty standards set by the industry. This practice contributes to the perpetuation of those beauty ideals within the fandom, shaping not only online discussions but also influencing real-world behaviours and self-perceptions.

Performative consumption, in the realm of K-pop, refers to the act of consuming and engaging with K-pop content in a performative manner, often driven by a desire to fit into the norms established by the fandom. Fans may feel compelled to participate in discussions about body image in a performative manner, aligning their expressions of concern or admiration with the dominant discourse within the fandom, further shaping the narrative around Wonyoung’s body image.

The concept of parasocial interaction, a well-established theory in media studies, is particularly relevant when considering the relationship between idols and fans in K-pop. Parasocial interaction refers to the illusion of a one-sided relationship between media consumers and personalities, where fans feel a sense of connection and familiarity with idols despite the absence of direct personal contact. In the context of Wonyoungism, the parasocial relationship between fans and the artist adds another layer of complexity to the discussions, as fans may feel a heightened sense of ressponsibility and concern for the well-being of someone they perceive as a close acquaintance.

TWITTER ANALYSIS AND ACADEMIC ARTICLES DISCUSSION

Urban Dictionary describes Wonyoungism as “ the trend of taking good care of yourself, through skin care, exercise, and healthy eating habits. It is meant to embrace femininity and become the best version of yourself. This is inspired by IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, who is a K-pop idol that embraces her feminine energy and exudes confidence.” (heyitsmejia, 2023) “In my Wonyoungism era” (choichive, 2023) is a post that shows how the audience has embraced the trend and is actively participating, this is interesting to see as the ‘era’ is reminiscent of the way people started referring to different stages of their life as ‘era’ after pop singer Taylor Swift named her tour The Era’s Tour. As the name suggests the tour is comprised of all the albums throughout her career, these albums were in different stages of her life where she had different hair, fashion and overall outlook on life. These kinds of multidimensional post is something that is very common to see now as people are chronically online, hence, can communicate using textual references from other trends. There are also posts like “I want to do wonyoungism seriously”, “like a week where I eat healthy, wake up at 6, stretch 2ce a day and workout daily along with studying properly and doing my skincare both am and pm”(IUismydream, 2023)  this shows the influence the trend has among the audience.

As the page progresses there are several re-posts of this one tweet that is captioned “READ THIS!!!!” and there is a link attached to a picture that reads “ how to survive a school shooting- just in case”(Anyoneelse153, 2023). This is far from the way the trend started, as one user puts it “the wonyoungism accounts were just meant to help young folks romanticize their lives and do good in school, do you understand had badly kids must be scared to where they’re posting things like this?” The thing referred to in the quote is the school shooting post. Several other posts state their disbelief in the way the trend has turned into something entirely different.

There is another side to this as well, when looked at the academic sources there is evidence of the harmful consequences of glorifying a particular type of body shape.

In the context of body image perceptions and the active engagement of audiences in the K-pop realm, the use of social media platforms takes a concerning turn with the emergence of trends like “K-pop Thinspiration.” This phenomenon is closely related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating habits, showcasing a darker side of the online discourse surrounding K-pop idols.(Achilles et al., 2022)

The research conducted in information science aims to shed light on the distinctions between K-pop Thinspiration and regular Thinspiration content on Tumblr, a platform known for its vibrant and diverse user-generated content.(Achilles et al., 2022) Thinspiration, marked by content intended to inspire individuals to be or become thin, has found a niche within the K-pop fandom, indicating a specific manifestation of body image concerns in this particular online community.(Achilles et al., 2022)

To explore the differences, the research utilizes both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis involves the automatic examination of images and texts in Thinspiration posts.(Achilles et al., 2022) This includes calculating colourfulness and emotional measures of images, conducting sentiment analysis on textual content, and evaluating readability scores of the texts. This approach provides an objective and data-driven perspective on the nature of K-pop Thinspiration. (Achilles et al., 2022)

The results of the research reveal a noteworthy finding: K-pop Thinspiration posts are found to be closer to a control dataset than to regular Thinspiration posts.(Achilles et al., 2022) This suggests that, despite the specific focus on K-pop idols, the content shares more similarities with general Thinspiration trends on Tumblr. This finding raises questions about the broader impact of online discussions on body image within the K-pop fandom, indicating a convergence of K-pop Thinspiration with wider trends related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating habits.(Achilles et al., 2022)

Essentially, the study not only establishes the existence of K-pop Thinspiration but also reveals its distinct features using an extensive investigation of both textual and visual components. The results improve our knowledge of how K-pop-focused online communities, in particular, negotiate and occasionally exaggerate societal concerns surrounding body image. The study provides insights into the complex nature of the fan experience, digital discourse, and the possible consequences for people’s well-being within these online spaces, as K-pop continues to impact global cultural landscapes.

In the context of the prevalent influence of K-pop girl groups as ideal figures for young girls, it is important to understand how admiration for these celebrities may impact the body image perceptions of their fans. This study done by Tresna et al employs “the Celebrity Attitude Scale (CAS) and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relation Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS) to measure these constructs”(Tresna et al., 2021).

The substantial positive correlation found between the appearance orientation dimension of body image and the entertainment-social component of celebrity worship is one of the main findings. This implies that teenagers who worship celebrities for social and entertainment purposes are more likely to display increased attention to detail when it comes to their appearance(Tresna et al.2021). The idealized standards that K-pop girl group stars set for themselves—being thin, white-skinned, with high noses and slim bodies—help their fans pay more attention to appearance.

Individuals who exhibit borderline-pathological celebrity worship tendencies may experience lower satisfaction with specific aspects of their bodies(Tresna et al., 2021).  The discrepancy between the idealized images of K-pop girl group celebrities and one’s own body may lead to dissatisfaction, reflecting the potential negative impact of intense celebrity worship on body image. The study underscores the complexity of the relationship between celebrity worship and body image among female adolescents who idolize K-pop girl groups. The entertainment-social aspect of celebrity worship emerges as a significant factor positively correlated with appearance orientation, indicating a heightened focus on physical appearance.

On the other hand, the borderline-pathological aspect is associated with a negative correlation with body area satisfaction, suggesting potential dissatisfaction with specific body aspects. Another experiment, in contrast to earlier correlational research, did not show a causal link between teenagers’ negative body image and exposure to K-pop music videos. This result implies that, at least in the context of the experiment, watching K-pop music videos did not directly cause or contribute to the participants’ negative perceptions of their bodies. (Lin et al., 2021)

Through preliminary analysis, the research revealed a fascinating cultural subtlety. Teenagers in Europe had lower baseline levels of negative body image than their American counterparts. (Lin et al., 2021) This observation highlights possible cultural differences in perceptions of body image and beauty standards. The study acknowledges and addresses these cultural variations, stressing how crucial it is to take into account a variety of cultural contexts when analyzing how media exposure affects body image.(Lin et al., 2021)

By examining causality through an experimental design, these findings offer important new information in the larger context of studies on K-Pop’s impact on body image. The study casts doubt on assumptions based on correlational research and emphasizes the need for an in-depth understanding of the connection between cultural influences, media exposure, and perceptions of one’s body. (Lin et al., 2021) Furthermore, the identification of cultural variances in the initial states of negative body image highlights the complexity of beauty norms and societal factors in various geographical areas.

Despite the lack of a clear causal relationship between watching K-pop music videos and teens’ negative body image, the study is important because it adds to the current discussion about how media affects how people perceive their physical appearances by highlighting the significance of experimental designs and cultural factors in these kinds of studies. (Lin et al., 2021)

CONCLUSION

The paradox of Wonyoungism encapsulates the intricate interplay between body image perceptions and audience engagement within the K-pop industry. In navigating the delicate balance between admiration and concern, fans contribute to a discourse shaped by concepts such as trolling, dark participation, toxic fandom, digital dissensus, everyday cosplay, performative consumption, and parasocial relationships. These dynamics offer a microcosmic view into the complexities of individual experiences within K-pop, unravelling the broader implications of beauty standards in a globally captivating and challenging industry.

The multifaceted nature of Wonyoungism becomes evident within the dynamic landscape of K-pop fandoms. The digital sphere amplifies the complexities of body image perceptions, audience engagement, and the construction of beauty standards. Trolling, characterized by provocative comments, coexists with toxic fandom behaviours, contributing to a discourse marked by dark participation. Digital dissensus reflects the diversity of opinions within online communities, creating a nuanced tapestry of discussions.

In conclusion, the paradox of Wonyoungism underscores the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of K-pop, body image, and online fandom culture. This microcosmic view not only unravels the complexities of individual experiences but also sheds light on the broader implications of beauty standards in an industry that continues to captivate and challenge global audiences. The study of Wonyoungism serves as a valuable lens through which we can understand the intricate dynamics of the K-pop phenomenon, offering insights into the evolving nature of fan engagement and its impact on societal perceptions of beauty.

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