The K-pop group IVE has stated that it will cease to receive fan gifts or assistance.
The group’s agency, Starship Entertainment, announced on the 15th via the fan community, “We have chosen not to accept gifts or support other than fan letters. We appreciate your understanding and help, as this choice was made with the intention that these acts of kindness be directed towards those who truly need them.”
It stated, “If you are currently working on or considering any assistance, we humbly refuse. We will gladly acknowledge your generous thoughts.”
” tribute culture” describes fans giving presents to their admired stars, a concept symbolically inspired by past practices where subordinate nations offered gifts to their rulers.
Jang Won-young, a member of IVE who has a significant following in China, has previously attracted attention due to receiving gifts valued at hundreds of millions of won each year on her birthday. During her August birthday, Chinese fans publicly released a list of presents that featured a Miu Miu bag, high-end jewelry from Bvlgari, Chaumet, and Van Cleef & Arpels, perfumes, massage guns, gaming consoles, and cameras, with the overall value approaching 500 million South Korean won. On prior birthdays, the gifts have included bags from Chanel and Hermès.
Although this culture originates from fans’ love, worries about its negative impacts have increased. The rising competition—such as high-end items, birthday billboards, and food trucks—has placed greater financial pressure on fans. Previously, artists like G-Dragon, BTS, Seventeen, IU, TWICE, Day6, aespa, and Plave prohibited fan support. This resulted in fan clubs contributing on the artists’ behalf or the artists giving “reverse gifts” in return.
In the meantime, IVE has been busy this year with the releases of *Rebel Heart*, *Attitude*, and *XOXZ*. The group is set to perform its second world tour concert at the Kyocera Dome Osaka in Japan next April.
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