원영적 사고

For an English speaker, "원영적 사고" (Wonyoung-jeok Sago) is pronounced approximately as "Wahn-young-juhk Sah-go."

The "Wonyoung-esque Mindset" meme began in September 2023 when IVE member Jang Wonyoung shared her visit to a Spanish bakery in her YouTube vlog. At the time, the bread she intended to buy was sold out right before her eyes, but she expressed it as lucky because she ended up receiving freshly baked bread instead. Later, on March 15, 2024, a fan posted a parody of Jang Wonyoung's positive mindset on X (formerly Twitter), which gained significant attention and marked the beginning of its spread as a meme. In April 2024, its appearance at an Amorepacific brand seminar expanded its popularity beyond the younger generation to all age groups.

"Wonyoung-esque Mindset" refers to IVE member Jang Wonyoung's transcendentally positive way of thinking. It signifies an attitude of interpreting and accepting any situation in a positive light, based on a firm optimism that all events happening to oneself will ultimately lead to a positive outcome. Notably, unlike mere "mental victory" (정신승리) or "toxic positivity" that simply avoids reality, it embodies a will to achieve a "true victory" by clearly acknowledging negative realities while still accepting them as a process or cause leading to a positive result. A key phrase of this meme is "완전 럭키비키잖아~" (wanjeon lucky Vicky-janha~), which combines "Lucky" with Jang Wonyoung's English name, "Vicky."

Initially, this meme was primarily used among Jang Wonyoung's fandom and Gen Z (teenagers and those in their twenties). However, as a consensus on positive thinking formed, it began to be cited in various fields such as corporate seminars, broadcasting, and politics. Currently, it is widely used across all generations.

• The meme originated from Jang Wonyoung's vlog, where she said, "The person in front of me bought all the pain au chocolat I wanted, so luckily, I got freshly baked bread instead! The goddess of fortune is truly on my side."
• A parody example by fans is when a glass of water is half full: "It's too much to drink all, too little to drink less, so I wished it was exactly half – how lucky Vicky!"
• Numerous companies, broadcasters, public institutions, and celebrities, including MBC Entertainment Research Center, YouTube Pinggyego, Pizza Hut Korea, Harper's Bazaar Korea, LG Twins, GS25, and Doosan Bears, utilize "Wonyoung-esque Mindset" or "Lucky Vicky" in their promotions and content.
• EBS Knowledge Channel e also produced a video on the effects of positive thinking, centered around the theme of "Wonyoung-esque Mindset."

"Wonyoung-esque Mindset" should be distinguished from "mental victory" (정신승리), which merely ignores reality or unconditionally thinks positively. It is crucial to clearly recognize negative situations, but actively seek positive meaning within them and strive to lead to better outcomes. If positive statements are repeated without context, it might be perceived as failing to properly grasp the situation. Therefore, it is advisable to use this mindset in conjunction with realistic problem-solving efforts.