You’ve probably seen her face on a massive billboard in Seoul or scrolling through your TikTok feed. Jang Wonyoung is everywhere. But if you’re just catching up with the whirlwind of K-pop, you might be wondering: what group is Wonyoung in exactly?
The short answer? She is a core member of IVE.
Honestly, calling her just a "member" feels like a bit of an understatement. She’s essentially the face of a generation. Since their debut in late 2021 under Starship Entertainment, IVE has skyrocketed to a level of fame that most groups only dream of. But the story isn't just about one group. Wonyoung’s journey is actually a two-part epic that started back when she was just a young teen.
The Group Wonyoung Is In Now: IVE
Right now, as we move through 2026, Wonyoung is busy conquering the world with IVE. The group consists of six members: Yujin, Gaeul, Rei, Liz, Leeseo, and of course, Wonyoung herself.
They aren't just a "rookie" group anymore. They are veterans of the charts. Just this January, Wonyoung topped the Individual Girl Group Brand Reputation Rankings, beating out legends from Blackpink and Aespa. That’s a huge deal. It shows that even five years into her career with IVE, her "it-girl" status hasn't faded one bit.
What makes IVE different? It's the "chaebol crush" vibe. Unlike the heavy hip-hop or sugary-sweet concepts other groups go for, IVE focuses on self-love and high-fashion elegance.
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Why IVE is Dominating 2026
- The Hits: From the early days of "Eleven" and "Love Dive" to their recent 2025 bangers like "Rebel Heart" and "Attitude," they don't seem to miss.
- World Tours: They are currently prepping for their second massive world tour, "SHOW WHAT I AM," which is hitting four continents.
- Perfect All-Kills: They were one of the first groups in years to have multiple songs from the same album hit #1 across every single Korean chart.
Wait, Wasn't She in Another Group?
If you feel like you remember her in a group with way more people, you aren't crazy. Before IVE, Wonyoung was the "center" of the project group IZ*ONE.
This is where things get interesting. In 2018, a survival show called Produce 48 aired. It was a brutal competition where 96 girls from Korea and Japan fought for a spot in a temporary group. Wonyoung, who was only 14 at the time, actually came in first place.
Because she won, she became the center of IZ*ONE. The group was a massive success, but it was always meant to be temporary. They stayed together for two and a half years, releasing hits like "La Vie en Rose" and "Panorama," before officially disbanding in April 2021.
Most people thought the members might fade away after IZ*ONE ended. For Wonyoung, the opposite happened. She took that momentum and turned it into a powerhouse career with IVE.
The "Wonyoungism" Phenomenon
You can't talk about what group Wonyoung is in without talking about her solo impact. In 2026, the term "Wonyoungism" has become a legitimate lifestyle trend. It’s basically a mix of extreme self-discipline, skincare, positive thinking, and "lucky girl syndrome."
She’s a workhorse. Beyond singing and dancing, she has hosted the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) for five consecutive years. That’s unheard of for someone her age. She speaks fluent English and Japanese, which makes her a global asset for Starship Entertainment.
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Is she still popular?
More than ever. She’s the face of Miu Miu, Innisfree, and Hapa Kristin. If she wears a specific clip in her hair during an "IVE Log" video, it’s sold out by the next morning. It’s a level of influence that’s both impressive and, honestly, a little scary.
Recent Hurdles and Growth
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, though. Recently, Wonyoung faced some heat over a comment in a vlog where she referred to Hong Kong as a "country." In the high-stakes world of international politics and K-pop, that caused a bit of a stir with Chinese fans.
But if Wonyoung has proven anything over the last eight years, it’s that she’s resilient. She’s grown from the "baby" of IZ*ONE into a poised, professional woman in IVE who handles controversy with a level of grace that most adults don't even have.
What’s Next for Wonyoung and IVE?
If you’re looking to keep up with her, you won’t have to wait long. IVE has confirmed a big comeback for late February 2026.
They are currently in the final stages of recording their next album, which rumors say will be even more experimental than their last EP, Ive Secret. After the promotions wrap up, they’ll be heading straight into their world tour, starting with a massive show at the Osaka Kyocera Dome in April.
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Next Steps for Dives and Fans:
To stay truly updated on Wonyoung’s activities, your best bet is following the official IVE Instagram and their YouTube series "1,2,3 IVE." If you want to see her solo side, her personal Instagram is where she posts her high-fashion shoots and behind-the-scenes life. Keep an eye out for the February album drop—it’s expected to set new records for 4th-gen groups.