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K-pop star Wonyoung declares love for durian taste that ‘can’t be found in Korea’

Samira Vishwas | September 24, 2025 7:24 PM CST

By Hoang Vu &nbspSeptember 24, 2025 | 12:03 am PT

Wonyoung of K-pop girl group Ive says she loves durian after trying it in Macau. Photos courtesy of Instagram/for_everyoung10

Singer and model Jang Wonyoung of K-pop girl group Ive has declared her love for durian after trying it for the first time recently.

The 21-year-old singer told fans on the messaging app Bubble on Sept. 21 that she tried durian after an event in Macau, Channel News Asia reported.

“I wanted to eat durian, so I asked my manager to buy me some,” Wonyoung wrote. When it arrived, “a scent went straight into my nose without warning.”

She added, “I prepared my heart and took a bite,” and shared a string of emojis to illustrate her reactions, saying, “I can’t explain my durian tasting experience any better than this.”

Wonyoung said she has now added durian to her “international fruit list.”

Later, during a livestream on the fan platform Berriz, she said: “For me, durian is so delicious. At first, the smell was (not pleasant) and I was like ‘Please get rid of it.’ But when I ate it, I thought it was really sweet, creamy and soft. It’s so tasty for me. It’s a taste that can’t be found in Korea.”

Durian, often referred to as the “king of fruits,” is primarily grown in tropical countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Known for its large size, spiky rind, and pungent odor, the fruit is banned from public transport, hotels, and enclosed spaces in many Asian countries due to its strong smell.

Durian’s distinct and pungent smell often leads to it being disliked by many. The strong aroma is a major factor in its polarizing reputation.

Formed in 2021, Ive that consists of six members has experienced massive success with a string of hits, including “Love Dive,” “After Like,” “I Am,” “Baddie” and “Rebel Heart.”