In the Flower Garden, 'No Mask' Jennie... Controversy Over Violation of Quarantine Rules

6 Ice Creams... Reported to Bangparachi

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Jennie, a member of the group BLACKPINK, is facing controversy for violating quarantine rules prohibiting private gatherings of five or more people.

On the 17th, a report was received in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, that Jennie had violated quarantine rules.

Earlier, on the 14th, Jennie posted a photo taken at an arboretum in Paju City on social media with the caption "outing."

In the photo, Jennie and two people presumed to be staff members were all without masks. She also posted a photo of six people gathering six ice creams in the center.

Netizens who saw this pointed out Jennie's actions as a "violation of quarantine rules" through comments. As the controversy spread, Jennie deleted the photos.

The arboretum explained, "Jennie visited for work (YouTube filming)," meaning it was not a "private gathering."

The agency YG Entertainment also stated, "Jennie visited the arboretum to film video content."

Despite these explanations, the controversy has not subsided.

A citizen filed a complaint about Jennie's violation of quarantine rules through the Paju City National Petition Office, stating, "Since YouTube video content filming is not broadcasting, it does not fall under the exception for private gathering bans."

This citizen wrote, "I hope Paju City determines whether Jennie's party's YouTube video content filming violates the ban on private gatherings of five or more people, and if confirmed, imposes fines according to regulations."

Meanwhile, earlier, Seoul City responded that gathering five or more people for YouTube filming constitutes a violation of quarantine rules.

In February, Seoul City answered the inquiry, "Does YouTube filming fall under the exception for gatherings of five or more people?" by stating, "YouTube is not broadcasting as defined by the Broadcasting Act, Newspaper Act, or News Communication Act, so it does not fall under the exception for private gathering bans," and added, "Please film while complying with quarantine rules in environments with fewer than five people."