A set of photos featuring a longtime fan of IVE’s Wonyoung has recently gone viral — but not without controversy.

The photos, shared on X (formerly Twitter), show the male fan meeting Wonyoung years apart: once during her IZONE* days and again during a recent IVE fansign. In both instances, he poses beside Wonyoung, recreating the original moment.

Wonyoung, who debuted at a young age, is seen having grown into a stunning young woman. Her fan, however, also shows clear signs of aging, with noticeable gray hair and matured features, making the time gap all the more stark.

The side-by-side comparison quickly picked up traction online, but not all the attention was positive. While many praised the fan’s loyalty and long-term support, some netizens expressed discomfort — and even disgust — over the visual contrast. Criticisms mostly focused on the fan’s age, with harsh comments questioning the appropriateness of an older man continuing to attend fansigns for much younger idols.

Still, others jumped to his defense. Many international fans condemned the backlash, arguing that true fandom should transcend age and gender. Supporters called the criticism unfair and ageist, highlighting that fan culture should be inclusive and respectful.

“So we’re hating on people now just for growing older while supporting their favorite idol?” one fan commented.
“This man didn’t do anything wrong. He’s just a longtime fan, and that should be appreciated,” another added.

As the debate rages on, the moment has sparked broader discussions about parasocial boundaries, age expectations in fandoms, and the judgment often faced by older fans — especially men — in K-pop communities.