[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] After the controversy over 'Mr. Trot' Lim Young-woong's indoor smoking spread, Lim Young-woong and his agency issued an apology.
On the 5th, Lim Young-woong's agency, New Era Project, released an official statement, opening with, "Lim Young-woong has been using e-cigarettes after quitting traditional cigarettes several years ago, and to reduce usage, he has been using nicotine-free liquids alongside them."
They continued, "He believed that nicotine-free liquids were not tobacco and used them accordingly," but also stated, "However, from now on, indoor use will be strictly prohibited."
The agency also explained, "(At the time of smoking) the space where the staff and Lim Young-woong were was the dressing room, and the video was taken while hair and makeup work was in progress," adding, "Whether during filming or not, we are adhering to personal quarantine principles."
Lim Young-woong also apologized through his agency.
Lim Young-woong said, "I have caused great hurt and disappointment to my fans," and bowed his head, saying, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern through this incident."
He added, "I will take today as a lesson, reflect on myself, and strive to become a more mature person," and stated, "I will deeply engrave the criticisms and admonitions sent to me in my heart."
Earlier, on the 4th, Sports Kyunghyang released photos showing Lim Young-woong smoking indoors. Citing sources in the entertainment industry, Sports Kyunghyang reported that Lim Young-woong smoked inside a building during the filming of TV Chosun's variety show 'Bongsunga School' that morning.
It was reported that Lim Young-woong smoked while waiting during a temporary break in filming. Notably, the location was indoors on the 23rd floor of a building, a designated 'no smoking area.'
Additionally, while all staff members were wearing masks, Lim Young-woong was seen alone without a mask, sparking a 'no mask' controversy and drawing public criticism.
Below is the full official statement from Lim Young-woong's agency.
Hello, this is New Era Project.
We deeply apologize for causing distress and concern to many people.
Concerns and suspicions arose from the video of Lim Young-woong in the dressing room. We should have provided a prompt explanation, but since filming ended early this morning, it took time to verify the situation. We ask for your understanding.
1. Lim Young-woong has been using e-cigarettes after quitting traditional cigarettes several years ago, and to reduce usage, he has been using nicotine-free liquids alongside them. We believed that nicotine-free liquids were not tobacco and used them accordingly. However, from now on, indoor use will be strictly prohibited. We deeply apologize for the lack of meticulous management and support.
2. The space where our staff and Lim Young-woong were was the dressing room. The video was taken while hair and makeup work was in progress, and filming was taking place on the first floor of the same building, during which time makeup touch-ups and costume changes were being made. We adhere to personal quarantine principles both during filming and otherwise.
New Era Project should have provided management befitting the love and attention Lim Young-woong receives from society, but we fell short in this regard. As a result, we failed to provide sufficient support for Lim Young-woong to fulfill his social responsibilities, causing discomfort and concern to many. We deeply apologize.
We will fulfill our role with greater responsibility going forward.
Thank you.
▲ Below is the full statement from Lim Young-woong.
Hello, this is Lim Young-woong.
I have caused great hurt and disappointment to my fans.
I should have approached every moment with responsibility,
but I was lacking. I sincerely apologize for causing concern through this incident.
I will take today as a lesson, reflect on myself, and strive to become a more mature person.
I will deeply engrave the criticisms and admonitions sent to me in my heart.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Lim Young-woong.
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