IVE’s Jang Wonyoung is turning heads—not on stage, but on screen. Her emotional performance in the recently released video The Christmas Song Part 2 has sparked wide attention and speculation about a potential full-fledged acting debut, following in the footsteps of her older sister, actress Jang Da Ah.
On December 21, the official YouTube channel of Dolphiners Films released the second part of the original series Shin Woo-seok’s Urban Fairytale, a two-part project created and produced by director Shin Woo-seok. The project tells heartwarming stories through cinematic visuals and music, and boasts a star-studded cast including Byeon Woo Seok, Karina, and Jang Wonyoung herself.
In this short film, Jang Wonyoung takes on the role of a nun—an image starkly different from her usual glamorous idol persona. Wearing a simple habit, she displays a serene and ethereal charm. Her tearful scene, in particular, has earned widespread praise. As she listens to a children’s choir in a cathedral, Jang delivers a moving performance with restrained emotion. The tears in her eyes and the tremble in her gaze convey deep inner conflict, adding a poignant layer to the character.
What makes this performance even more notable is that it’s Jang’s first official acting challenge, excluding music videos. As K-pop idols increasingly expand into acting—such as Bona, Eunseo, and Luda of WJSN—many are now wondering if Jang Wonyoung is preparing for a similar transition.
She has previously expressed interest in acting. During a 2023 livestream with producer Na Young-seok, he mentioned that several drama writers had shown interest in IVE. When asked, Wonyoung’s eyes lit up as she responded, “I’d love to try it if I get the chance.” Group leader An Yujin jokingly added, “Just wait a bit. IVE is still promoting,” drawing laughs.
Wonyoung’s older sister Jang Da Ah already made her acting debut in 2024 through the TVING series Pyramid Game, and later portrayed a younger version of Uhm Jung Hwa’s character in ENA’s My Troublesome Star. With her sister paving the way and her own natural screen presence now on display, many fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely to see whether Jang Wonyoung’s brief foray into acting marks the beginning of a new chapter.
