Woori Bank is facing backlash over a lack of business ethics for choosing a new advertising model from the same girl group as the model representing a rival financial institution.

According to the financial industry on February 13, Jang Won Young recently signed a one-year advertising contract with Woori Bank. She completed filming for the advertisement last month, and the commercial is set to be released later this month.

A financial industry official told Chosun Ilbo, “Jang Won Young was selected because she fits Woori Bank’s image, and her name is similar to ‘Won Banking,’ Woori Bank’s digital banking service.”

Currently, Woori Financial Group’s main advertising model is singer IU, while Woori Bank’s model is the six-member boy group RIIZE. Jang Won Young is expected to work alongside RIIZE to enhance Woori Bank’s brand image.

However, fellow IVE member Ahn Yu Jin has been an advertising model for Hana Financial Group, which is Woori Bank’s competitor, since June 2023. At the time, Hana Financial Group stated, “Ahn Yu Jin's bright and healthy image aligns well with our core value of spreading positive energy in the financial sector.”

Jang Won Young and Ahn Yu Jin both participated in Mnet’s 2018 survival show 'Produce 48' as trainees from Starship Entertainment, competing for a spot in the debut lineup. Now, the two appear to be competing once again in the financial industry.

During the January 15th episode of tvN’s 'You Quiz on the Block,' Ahn Yu Jin reflected on her experience in the survival program, calling it her “first hardship.” She said, “I thought I was really loved, but after joining the audition program, I realized that some people disliked me. Even if I didn’t do anything seriously wrong, some people didn’t like me. I think I started getting trapped by online reactions.”

Jang Won Young then added with a laugh, “I think I did it because I was young and didn’t know better. If I knew, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.” 

Meanwhile, IVE is a six-member multinational girl group under Starship Entertainment that debuted on December 1, 2021.

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