Chinese netizens are continuing to create a fuss online, claiming that IVE's Jang Won Young is trying to steal an item that belongs to China. The whole buzz began when the young idol was seen wearing a phoenix-shaped hairpin and claimed she wore the accessory to show the beauty of Korea.
In the vlog posted by Vogue Korea, Jang Won Young was seen attending the Paris Fashion Week and explaining her outfit of the day. In the video, Jang Won Young explains, "I also put on this hairpin to show the look of Korea in Paris. I did my best to bring this (hairpin) from Korea."
The hairpin with the phoenix that Jang Won Young was seen wearing is a hairpin with a common design worn by Korean queens and princesses in Korean history in periods such as the Joseon Dynasty.
Nevertheless, Chinese netizens claim the idol "Stole Chinese culture." Even a popular Chinese influence with over 480,000 followers publically criticized Jang Won Young online by saying, "Jang Won Young came on broadcast claiming that the phoenix hairpin is Korean. The phoenix and dragon have been symbols unique to the Chinese people. Korea did have the hairpins but they can't say the phoenix hairpin is Korean."
Other Chinese netizens also joined in criticizing the idol. They commented, "She needs to clearly reveal that it is from China," and "She needs to apologize for stealing our traditional culture."
However, the phoenix hairpin is an accessory that is often seen in Korean history. Named "Bong Jam," the phoenix hairpin was widely used by royal families in the Joseon era. The "Yong Jam" is a dragon-shaped hairpin, and "Ddeol Jam" is the name given to hairpins that features multiple flowers with a bird, bat, and butterfly and have the characteristics of being extravagant and beautiful.
Korean netizens are sharing comments of encouragement to Jang Won Young, saying, "Her style using the traditional Korean hairpin is beautiful, she is awesome," and more.
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I'm Korean and it's kind of weird for me that a mythical fire bird is only exclusive to one culture. The thing about claims on culture is as valid as an old wives' tale. To understand it, you have to look for the point of origin. History and culture is represented depending on who wrote it. who is following it, and who has more proof. If you look at the annals of history, one can say that yeah China has been using the phoenix and dragon as a symbol for different aspects of their culture even before Korea even became a country. Is it exclusive to China? I would think not. The Mayans have their own version of a mythical firebird, The Philippines have their own version of a mythical bird, The West have their own version of the phoenix. So why can't Korea have their own phoenix?
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