IVE’s Wonyoung Fights Back Tears at Award Ceremony After Receiving Negative Comments

IVE’s Wonyoung is facing backlash after winning the “Solo Artist Popularity Award” at the 2025 K-World Dream Awards on August 21. The controversy began as some netizens claim she didn’t deserve the award and suggested the company bought it.

Wonyoung appeared emotional while accepting the award and was seen trying to hold back tears. Fans quickly rallied to defend her, highlighting her popularity and the genuine fan support behind her win.

“I JUST REALISED WONYOUNG WAS TRYING TO HOLD BACK HER TEARS… BABY FELT THE SUPPORT FROM US FANS ”
— @wonyofeed

“thank you Wonyoung, thank you for everyone. i’ll never forget this moment, just cry whenever you want bc these are the tears of happiness i wanted to see ”
— @wonyo_555

“just the fact that wonyoung teared up because she genuinely felt so supported… and came out of that ceremony knowing that her nyeongrangdans truly do have her back and will be there for her in every new challenge she takes on ”
— @bunnynyeong

Despite the hate, netizens pushed back strongly. They emphasized her loyal fanbase and massive popularity, noting her win was 100% fan-voted.

“It’s not Wonyoung’s fault she has a loyal fanbase. She’s held her spot with little to no promo and without a solo cover. It’s not her fault you didn’t vote harder. And if she’s really a ‘nugu,’ why are you pressed that your fave didn’t win? The results are 100% fan-voted”
— @wonylucky

Others pointed out the hate came from rival fandoms downplaying her achievement as irrelevant.

“i went on tiktok and saw videos of wonyoung receiving the award,went to the comments section and a certain fandom….not kkura’s but this other fandom is saying that this award that wonyoung received is irrelevant,and saying a bunch of other stuff dying she doesn’t deserve it. bfr”
— @ariqahzainudin

Wonyoung’s fans continue monitoring the situation, standing firm against the backlash and flooding social media with support for the idol.