The frenzy began when Jang Won Young, performing with IVE at their concert in Taiwan, casually mentioned on stage that she wanted to try the Watermelon Oolong Tea from popular Taiwanese milk tea brand Chun Shui Tang.
Just hours later, fans rushed to stores, buying out the beverage nationwide. Shops posted signs reading: “Watermelon Oolong is temporarily sold out 💕 Sorry…💕”
The viral reaction quickly caught the attention of Korean netizens after a post titled “Taiwan Goes into Sold-Out Frenzy Because of Jang Wonyoung’s Comment” on Theqoo gained over 80,000 views. Fans marveled at her influence, especially given the drink’s sudden fame.
Even Taiwanese customers shared their experiences, recalling how store clerks asked, “Is it because of Jang Wonyoung?” and apologized, saying, “It’s sold out… Sorry, it’s because of the Wonyoung effect.”
Local media in Taiwan soon picked up on the story, calling it the “Jang Wonyoung Watermelon Oolong Tea craze.” Descriptions of the drink as “refreshing and delicious, like watermelon juice” only added fuel to the hype. As a result, while Korean fans already refer to her as “Princess Wonyoung,” Taiwanese fans now call her “Goddess Wonyoung.”
In response to the phenomenon, K-netizens shared their reactions in the comment section:
Comments on theqoo:
- “Whoa, now I’m curious, LOL. I always drink Oolong Milk Tea… but Watermelon Oolong?!”
- “She really feels like the top star these days.”
- “What the heck, now I want to try it too.”
- “Wonyoung said she wanted to drink it, and it’s already sold out — what are we supposed to do, LOL.”
- “I’m so curious about the taste.”
Whether it’s fashion, drinks, or trends, Jang Wonyoung’s ripple effect knows no borders — and Taiwan’s Watermelon Oolong Tea shortage is just the latest example.
