The viral photos have stunned netizens.
Ever since IVE‘s Wonyoung first appeared on Produce 48 as a bright-eyed 13-year-old trainee, Korean fans have watched her grow up in the public eye. It seems the time passage has finally hit Korean netizens after the idol’s latest post on Instagram.

Wonyoung quickly became a household name after winning first place and debuting with IZ*ONE at just 14, capturing hearts with her youthful charm and signature visuals. After IZ*ONE’s disbandment, she re-debuted as a member of IVE and continued to establish herself as one of K-Pop’s top “it girls.” Over the years, fans have followed her journey closely, from her rookie days to global brand endorsements and massive stage performances.
So, it’s no surprise that her latest Instagram post has left many netizens stunned.
On July 14, Wonyoung shared a new set of photos where she’s seen enjoying a meal at a restaurant and casually drinking a glass of beer. The photos, though soft and playful in tone, sparked an emotional reaction among Korean fans, many of whom were surprised to realize that the idol is now legally old enough to drink.
Born in 2004, Wonyoung is now 19 years old, and while she’s well within the legal drinking age, the sight of her holding a glass of alcohol still came as a shock to longtime fans who remember her as the youngest member of IZ*ONE.
The photos quickly went viral on online communities like TheQoo, where users couldn’t help but reflect on how much time has passed since her debut.
- “When did she grow up like this ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ”
- “The baby is drinking beer”
- “My baby was just in middle school… when did they grow up enough to drink alcohol 🥹🥹🥹”
- “Is it okay for the baby to be drinking beer?”
- “The baby is already drinking beer, seriously.”