“No Worries, I Don't Care. You're You, I'm Me": What Is Wonyoungism

Wonyoungism and the culture of self-discipline: the influence of Jang Wonyoung's image.

Wonyoungism blends 'coquette' aesthetics with a focus on self-discipline. The trend promotes self-improvement and self-focus. As the singer puts it: 'No worries, I don't care. You're you, I'm me.'

One Reddit user, posting as Someuncreativity, described it as building your whole life around wellness and health, drawing inspiration from Jang Wonyoung as a fourth-generation 'It girl,' they wrote on the platform.

What Is 'Wonyoungism'

Wonyoungism is an internet trend that emerged on TikTok in 2023. It formed around the public image of South Korean K-pop singer Jang Wonyoung — a member of the group IVE and a former member of Iz*One.

The trend is positioned as a tool for self-discipline and personal growth. Its followers promote systematic self-care, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and studying, all wrapped in a predominantly pink visual aesthetic.

The trend spreads through aesthetic vlogs and motivational content, where Wonyoung is presented as a model of perfection, confidence, and self-discipline. The hashtag #Wonyoungism currently has 1.1 million posts on TikTok.

What Wonyoungism Is Criticized For

The trend faces criticism for promoting unrealistic and potentially harmful standards that could encourage extreme dieting.

During Jang Wonyoung's 2022 performance of the song 'After Like,' fans focused attention on her appearance and low body weight, sparking discussion about the idol's health.

One Reddit user, xXInfinityDiesXx, expressed concern about her visibly protruding spine and dangerously low weight, saying they couldn't understand how anyone could look at her and call her weight healthy without feeling troubled, and that this wasn't hate but genuine concern, they wrote under a fancam of the idol.

Still, that video keeps resurfacing online as an example of toxic motivational content, captioned 'dream body.' The idol has also spoken about dieting before, back when she was part of Iz*One.

Wonyoung said that no one ever needs to diet, but that if someone wants to, they should wait until they're an adult, since it's harmful while the body is still developing, roughly until age 19, she said while discussing important topics about growing up.

Who Is Jang Wonyoung

On May 11, 2018, it was announced that Wonyoung would join the talent show Produce 48 as a trainee from Starship Entertainment. She finished first in the finale, after which she joined the group Iz*One as its visual.

In 2021, the group disbanded after its special contract ended. Wonyoung returned to Starship Entertainment and debuted the same year with the group IVE and its first single album, 'Eleven.'

Wonyoung has partnered with brands including MIU MIU, BVLGARI, Amuse, Dyson Korea, and Innisfree, among others. From 2021 to 2023, she also hosted the music show Music Bank.

It's important to separate healthy self-discipline and self-care practices from toxic forms of motivation that promote overly strict diets or unrealistic body standards. A mindful approach to content helps support personal growth without putting health at risk.