K-pop Idols’ Strategies for Staying Under the Radar: From Rosé’s Grandma Disguise to Jang Wonyoung’s Altered Voice

BLACKPINK’s Rosé Shares Disguise Secrets on Capital FM

On December 12, 2023, Rosé from BLACKPINK made a memorable appearance on Capital FM, featured in a video titled “Rosé Goes For a Very British Chippy Tea | APT, BLACKPINK and solo career secrets.”In this lighthearted segment, the idol divulged her unconventional strategy for maintaining anonymity during outings by adopting what she humorously called a “grandma disguise.”

Rosé humorously recounted, “I dressed up as a granny. I got like a wig… I can’t believe I’m telling the world this, it’s crazy.” Her candid revelation highlights the lengths to which celebrities go to carve out a semblance of normalcy in their public lives.

IVE’s Jang Wonyoung’s Disguise Tactics

Similarly, IVE’s Jang Wonyoung showcased her own creative methods to evade recognition during a May 7, 2024, episode of “Salon Drip 2.”She admitted to using a fake voice when ordering food in public to deflect attention.

When faced with recognition, Wonyoung revealed that she would downplay her identity by altering her voice, stating that if a cashier suspected she was indeed Jang Wonyoung, she would deny it. Furthermore, she admitted to feeling uneasy about being recognized in South Korea, expressing a preference for the relative anonymity she experiences while in the United States.

The Quest for Privacy in the K-Pop World

The experiences shared by both Rosé and Wonyoung underscore a crucial aspect of the K-pop industry: the intersection of fame and privacy. Despite their stardom, many idols yearn for the freedom to navigate everyday life without attracting attention. This calls for fans to be considerate and respectful of their favorite stars’ personal space, especially during casual encounters.

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