Amid the controversy over IVE's starting pitch outfit, a member took to clear the air.
IVE showcased the starting pitch and halftime performance during the first match of the '2025 Coupang Play Series' held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 30th at 8 p.m.
On this day, IVE performed alongside 'Team K League', representing the K League, and Newcastle United, the winner of the 2024/25 Carabao Cup (League Cup), before the match started, delivering a performance of representative hit songs during halftime, garnering enthusiastic responses.
However, as IVE appeared dressed in uniforms for the starting pitch, controversy broke out among netizens regarding their outfits. Although the members wore reformed uniforms suited to their own styles, the main reason for the criticism was that their outfits did not suit the context of 'starting pitch'.
In fact, IVE members wore hot pants that revealed their thighs, and some members were not wearing inner shorts. Additionally, An Yujin, Lee Seo, and Rei let one side of their uniform down to expose their shoulders, while Jang Wonyoung changed her uniform into a form-fitting tube dress that highlighted her body line.
IVE performed at halftime following their starting pitch in the same outfit. In response, netizens criticized the excessive exposure, noting that the short pants even made it look uncomfortable during their dance. On the other hand, some commented, 'It doesn't seem to be a problem when viewed on video,' arguing that the reactions were excessive.
Nonetheless, fans' anger turned toward the coordinator who dressed IVE and the agency, with even the Chinese fanbase releasing a formal statement to protest. The Chinese fandom pointed out, 'The outfit Starship put on Jang Wonyoung during the starting pitch event today was overly tight and revealed too much, significantly restricting natural movements,' raising concerns specifically about Jang Wonyoung's outfit, which had been particularly revealing compared to the other members.
They also requested, 'Please respect Jang Wonyoung's personal style of clothing. Carefully consider the harmony between the event concept and clothing choices. Please stop the differentiation in styles among the members. Do not continue to label young female artists as 'sexy'.'
Amid this ongoing controversy, IVE's Rei clarified through a fan communication platform, 'Our IVE uniforms are super cute. We asked for them to be reformed as we each wanted.' Rei's explanation calmed the heated criticism, but responses expressing disappointment over the outfits that diminished the members' appeal continue.
Meanwhile, IVE has confirmed their comeback at the end of August and is in the final preparations. IVE is set to release new music and meet fans after about seven months.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]