[theqoo] JANG HANG-JUN, POINTS OUT PARK JIHOON’S VISUALS “YOU GAINED WEIGHT” → INTERNATIONAL FANS IN FURY… “NO MATTER HOW CLOSE YOU ARE, IT’S RUDE” ft. MORE REACTIONS

May 13, 2026

When Director Jang Hang-jun pointed out a change in Wanna One member Park Jihoon’s appearance, the reaction from overseas was quite different.

[…]

Seeing Park Jihoon amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Jang Hang-jun suddenly showed his friendliness by saying, “You’ve gained some weight.” Park Jihoon looked embarrassed and replied, “It was during my vacation.” Jang Hang-jun then jokingly pointed out, “I realized you really need to lose weight.” Park Jihoon lightened the mood by cheerfully retorting, “I saw you interviewing on TV. You said, ‘If Park Jihoon gains weight, he looks just okay.’ I laughed a lot watching it.”

As there were many fans who had been looking forward to the meeting between the two, positive reactions poured in domestically after the broadcast aired. Netizens left comments such as “Jang Hang-jun’s wit is still the same” and “They look really close,” while Park Jihoon’s domestic fans showed enthusiastic support, saying, “Park Jihoon looking embarrassed is so cute.”

However, international fans expressed displeasure regarding the scene where Director Jang Hang-jun criticized Park Jihoon’s appearance. They reacted with comments such as, “Who is that person to judge someone else’s looks?” and “It’s really not funny at all,” while some strongly criticized the remark, stating, “No matter how close they are, it is rude to openly bring up weight management to Park Jihoon, who is an idol.”

These negative reactions from overseas fans are interpreted as a reflection of the cultural characteristics of the West, which are strict about “body shaming”, criticizing or evaluating the appearance of others.

1. Those I-roaches ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Jihoon didn’t even get offended, why are they like that?

2. He’s bringing this up again? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Stop forcing this conversation. It’s impossible to maintain the weight lost through extreme diet

3. Park Jihoon’s star-like face only shows up when he’s bone skinny. Honestly, he was eating less on Produce and that’s how his face was able to shine

4. Ah this makes me so stressed whenever it’s brought up in the HOT category

5. There’s a post about his face looking this and that everyday on the HOT category. Am I the only one who doesn’t get it??? I feel like everyone is hating on him..

6. He’s so cute though… And his work is done with you, why should he lose weihgt?

7. Anyway, the director cast him trusting him even though he gained weight, so the fact that everyone is chiming in like this seems like it will just make things awkward for both of them… It would be best if this didn’t end up on the trending topics, but the title is so provocative that it can’t help but be there. Why are even international fans’ reactions being reported as news? It’s not like Korean fans stayed quiet because they were fools

8. It’s indeed so so to tell someone they gained weight

9. You go lose the weight…

10. ㅋㅋ This makes me realize how bad the lookism in Korea really is…

[theqoo] INTERNATIONAL FANS CALLING DIRECTOR JANG HANG-JUN’S REMARKS EXCESSIVE

What the fuck is this man’s problem can he GET A LIFE WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM STOP ALLOWING HIM NEAR JIHOON pic.twitter.com/52c80aBzTd

— 🌙 (@lunallegrx) May 12, 2026

can someone please shut him up cause this is not even funny. he’s been doing this so many times like look at jihoon’s face???? can’t he know jihoon feels uncomfy everytime he’s bring up his weight? pic.twitter.com/5DVDg3grRK

— cynn (@aeriscae) May 12, 2026

“I think it’s strange that Director Jang saw Jihoon during his toughest time. He couldn’t eat almost every day to the point of fainting, his body was rejecting food, yet Director Jang still wants Jihoon to lose more weight??? What???”

– He’s really awful. I can understand why so many Koreans bully and mock him… He thinks everything goes his way. It’s so annoying.

“Can someone shut him up? This isn’t even funny. And he does it way too frequently. Have you seen Jihoon’s face??? Can’t you tell that he looks awkward every time his weight is brought up?”

1. But sitting among other idols, it does look like he gained weight

2. It’s because he looks prettier with weight loss

3. This make sme cringe.. There are so many Park Jihoon haters around. It’s not like he gained that much weight either, but so many people act up when someone gains the slightest weight

4. Can we stop bringing up weight?

5. Huh???? It’s true that he should be more careful with his words and that it was rude. How can people find this affectionate?

6. He always looked like that though..

7. This was indeed rude

8. He crossed the line here

9. He’s not even here to talk about his work but this?

10. Jang Hang-jun honestly blew up because of luck, he’s a mess