Ji Chang-wook Deeply Apologizes for Inappropriate Behavior Amid Indoor Smoking Controversy

Repeated Indoor Smoking Controversies in the Entertainment Industry
Fine of 100,000 Won for Smoking in No-Smoking Areas Indoors

Actor Ji Chang-wook sparked controversy after being caught smoking indoors during a rehearsal for 'Welcome to Samdal-ri.'

On the 11th, according to an online community, a video showing Ji Chang-wook smoking a liquid-type electronic cigarette during a rehearsal for the JTBC drama 'Welcome to Samdal-ri' spread, causing controversy.

Actor Ji Chang-wook [Image provided by Glorious Entertainment]

Ji Chang-wook drew criticism for smoking the e-cigarette unabashedly even in the presence of his co-star Shin Hye-sun, fellow actors, and staff members.

Ji Chang-wook's agency, Spring Company, issued an apology on the same day, stating, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to actor Ji Chang-wook's behavior in the making content of the drama released on the 26th of last month." They added, "The making content included scenes where Ji Chang-wook used an electronic cigarette indoors. We understand that these scenes were inappropriate and caused discomfort to viewers."

They continued, "Ji Chang-wook also recognizes that his behavior was inappropriate and sincerely apologizes for disappointing many people. We deeply apologize once again to those who viewed the content, the staff and cast members on site, and the viewers who love the work."

Finally, the agency added, "We will take special care to ensure that inappropriate behavior does not recur through this incident."

Recently, there have been cases in the entertainment industry where indoor smoking was caught on camera, leading to apologies and fines. Last year, Do Kyung-soo (D.O.), a member of the idol group EXO, was fined for smoking indoors in a music broadcast waiting room.

NCT member Haechan also apologized and paid a fine after being seen smoking indoors while practicing at his agency's practice room, and director Jang Hang-jun deleted a video from his YouTube channel showing him smoking indoors after receiving repeated criticism.

Before Ji Chang-wook, singer Minoy (Park Min-young) revealed during a live broadcast that an ashtray piled high with cigarettes was visible, admitting that she smokes as well as works on music. After the broadcast, fans and netizens criticized Minoy for smoking indoors despite raising a cat.

According to Article 9, Paragraph 4, Item 16 of the National Health Promotion Act, office buildings, factories, and mixed-use buildings with a total floor area of 1,000㎡ or more are designated as entirely non-smoking areas. Smoking indoors in non-smoking areas results in a fine of up to 100,000 KRW.