IVE's Wonyoung Insulted on AMUSE Sales Channel, Brand Apologizes

Cosmetics brand AMUSE has apologized after a derogatory nickname for IVE's Wonyoung appeared in product listings on one of its Chinese sales channels.

The controversy began after several AMUSE products were listed with the phrase "Yingzi Tongkuan." Chinese fans pointed out that "Yingzi" has been used online to mock or insult Wonyoung, while "Tongkuan" is commonly used to describe products associated with or used by a celebrity.

AMUSE issued an apology through its official Weibo account on Sept. 10, explaining that the channel was operated by a former local distributor selling remaining inventory after its partnership with the brand had ended. The company said an employee used the inappropriate wording while editing product titles without proper internal review.

Although AMUSE did not directly operate the channel, it acknowledged responsibility for overseeing the use of its brand and artist-related content.

The company said it had ordered the distributor to review and correct listings across Chinese platforms and would move up the closure of its remaining sales channels. AMUSE also pledged to strengthen its review process for promotional content involving artists.

Wonyoung has served as a global ambassador for AMUSE.