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5 Reasons Why Sunghoon (ENHYPEN) And Wonyoung (IVE) Are K-Pop’s Most Legendary MC Duo (JangKku)

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The enduring fascination with the dynamic between ENHYPEN's Sunghoon and IVE's Wonyoung—collectively known by the fan-favorite nickname 'JangKku'—is a phenomenon that continues to capture the K-Pop world's attention, even in late 2025. Their year-long tenure as co-MCs on KBS's Music Bank cemented their status as one of the most visually stunning and professionally harmonious duos in the show’s history, creating a legacy that fans constantly hope to see revived.

The latest wave of interest surged with the anticipation of the 2024/2025 year-end music festivals, fueled by the hope of a 'JangKku' reunion. While Jang Wonyoung has consistently been confirmed for major hosting roles, including the 2025 Music Bank Global Festival, the long-awaited pairing with Park Sunghoon remains a cherished wish for their devoted fanbase, proving that their on-screen chemistry is a topical subject that never truly fades.

Park Sunghoon (ENHYPEN) and Jang Wonyoung (IVE) Biography Profiles

The 'JangKku' phenomenon is built on the foundation of two of K-Pop’s most successful and recognizable fourth-generation stars. Their individual achievements and backgrounds add layers of intrigue to their partnership.

  • Park Sunghoon (ENHYPEN)
    • Full Name: Park Sung-hoon (박성훈)
    • Stage Name: Sunghoon (성훈)
    • Group: ENHYPEN (Debut: 2020)
    • Date of Birth: December 8, 2002
    • Birthplace: Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
    • Notable Background: Sunghoon was a highly accomplished competitive figure skater for 10 years, winning two silver medals in national competitions and representing South Korea internationally. This background earned him the nickname 'Ice Prince.'
    • Career Highlight: Finished 6th on the survival show I-LAND, leading to his debut in ENHYPEN.
  • Jang Wonyoung (IVE)
    • Full Name: Jang Won-young (장원영)
    • Stage Name: Wonyoung (원영)
    • Group: IVE (Debut: 2021)
    • Date of Birth: August 31, 2004
    • Birthplace: Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
    • Notable Background: Wonyoung first rose to global fame as the center and winner of the survival show Produce 48, debuting with the project group IZ*ONE.
    • Career Highlight: Known for her 'It Girl' status, modeling contracts, and consistent, professional hosting roles, including the '2025 Music Bank Global Festival' and three consecutive years of the KBS Music Festival.

The JangKku Legacy: Unpacking Their Iconic Music Bank Chemistry

The duo’s reign as the 37th permanent MCs of Music Bank, from October 8, 2021, to September 2, 2022, was a golden era for the show. Their combined star power and complementary personalities created a dynamic that transcended typical idol pairings, leading to the creation of the portmanteau nickname 'JangKku' (a mix of their names, Jang Wonyoung and Park Sunghoon, sometimes stylized as 'Jangkku' or 'JangKku Couple').

1. The Unmatched Visual Synergy

The first and most immediate reason for their popularity was their stunning visual pairing. Wonyoung, with her doll-like features and tall, elegant stature, complemented Sunghoon’s sharp, princely looks inherited from his figure skating background. They were often praised as a 'Manhwa (Manga) Couple' come to life, setting a new, impossibly high standard for K-Pop MC visuals. This visual appeal was a major driver of their initial viral success on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

2. Professionalism and Comfort That Grew Over Time

Initially, their interactions were noted for being slightly stiff or formal, which is common for idols from different major companies (BELIFT LAB/HYBE and Starship Entertainment). However, over their year-long tenure, fans observed a visible increase in their comfort level and natural rapport. This evolution from formal co-workers to a genuinely comfortable partnership was a key factor in their appeal.

3. Iconic Special Stages and Viral Moments

No discussion of JangKku is complete without mentioning their special stages and viral skits. Their smooth, synchronized cover of BTS's "Butter" on October 8, 2021, remains a fan favorite, showcasing their performance versatility beyond their respective group roles.

Beyond the stages, their playful dynamic was often highlighted in behind-the-scenes clips. One famous instance was a skit where Wonyoung playfully acted "sulky" because Sunghoon had used their 'JangKku' nickname with a special MC, prompting Sunghoon to reassure her that she was the "No.1 MC." These small, scripted, yet charming interactions made their chemistry feel genuine and relatable to the audience.

The Truth Behind the 'JangKku' Dating Rumors

Given their overwhelming on-screen chemistry and visual compatibility, it was inevitable that dating rumors would surface. This is a common occurrence in the K-Pop industry when a male and female idol show strong rapport.

The rumors, however, have largely been categorized by fans and media as having "flimsy evidence." They often stemmed from minor, subtle interactions, such as a specific greeting or a brief moment of eye contact captured on camera. One widely discussed moment was a clip that went viral for their "non-interaction"—a brief moment of professional distance that fans interpreted as a sign of them being overly cautious due to a potential relationship, when in reality, it was simply typical idol behavior to avoid fueling rumors.

The Reality: Both Sunghoon and Wonyoung, like most idols in their early careers, are focused on their respective groups (ENHYPEN and IVE) and their solo activities. There has been no credible evidence or official confirmation from either BELIFT LAB or Starship Entertainment to suggest a romantic relationship. The 'JangKku' relationship is, for all intents and purposes, a celebrated professional partnership and a testament to their excellent chemistry as hosts.

4. The Unfulfilled Reunion and Wonyoung's Continued MC Reign

The enduring power of JangKku's legacy was most evident in the massive fan anticipation for their potential reunion at a major year-end event. The possibility of them co-hosting the 2024 Music Bank Global Festival was a major talking point in late 2024. However, the official announcement confirmed that Wonyoung would host the Korean segment alongside Zico and actor Kim Young-dae, confirming that the full JangKku reunion would not take place.

This non-reunion only served to strengthen the narrative of their legendary status, proving that the demand for their pairing is still incredibly high. Meanwhile, Jang Wonyoung continues to solidify her status as a 'professional MC,' with her role confirmed for the '2025 Music Bank Global Festival,' showcasing her consistent success in the hosting field.

5. The Topical Authority of a K-Pop Power Couple

The JangKku duo holds significant topical authority in K-Pop discussions for several reasons: they successfully bridged two massive fourth-generation groups (ENHYPEN and IVE), they elevated the status of the Music Bank MC role, and they created a benchmark for idol chemistry. Their story is a perfect example of how a professional partnership can become a cultural phenomenon, generating endless fan content, theories, and discussion. The combination of Sunghoon’s 'Ice Prince' demeanor softening alongside Wonyoung’s 'It Girl' charm created a compelling narrative that continues to drive engagement years after their final broadcast, ensuring that the legacy of 'JangKku' remains one of K-Pop's most beloved and frequently discussed topics.

5 Reasons Why Sunghoon (ENHYPEN) and Wonyoung (IVE) Are K-Pop’s Most Legendary MC Duo (JangKku)
sung hoon and wonyoung
sung hoon and wonyoung

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