"Sorry to the Fans Who Felt Disappointed"
Jennie of the idol group BLACKPINK issued an official apology after controversy arose over footage appearing to show her using an electronic cigarette indoors.
On the 9th, Jennie's agency OA Entertainment stated, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable due to Jennie's actions."
They continued, "Jennie is also reflecting on smoking indoors and causing inconvenience to other staff members," adding, "She personally contacted the staff present at the scene to apologize." The agency further expressed, "We apologize to fans who may have felt disappointed and will strive to show a more mature and better image in the future."
Earlier, Jennie's vlog video posted on the 2nd sparked controversy on online communities. The footage showed Jennie seemingly using an electronic cigarette indoors while receiving hair and makeup. The controversy intensified as Jennie appeared to smoke despite staff members being right in front of her. Afterwards, Jennie's side edited out the scene and re-uploaded the video, but suspicions of indoor smoking spread mainly online.
Netizens reacted with comments such as, "She may smoke, but blowing smoke right in front of staff is unacceptable," "Disappointing," and "Isn't indoor smoking basically prohibited?"
In particular, one netizen reported the matter to the Italian Embassy, requesting an investigation into whether Jennie smoked indoors. Netizen A said, "Since it is believed to be the filming location on Italy's Capri Island recently visited, I requested an investigation through the National Petition Board to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Italy." They added, "We strongly urge the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Italy to request the Italian authorities to investigate BLACKPINK Jennie's indoor smoking incident and to take strict disciplinary action."
This is not the first controversy over indoor smoking involving celebrities. In the music industry, EXO's D.O. and NCT's Haechan have been fined and apologized for indoor smoking.
Indoor smoking has been prohibited in South Korea since January 2015. 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 entirely designated as non-smoking areas. Smoking indoors in non-smoking areas results in a fine of up to 100,000 KRW.
The ban in non-smoking areas applies to cigarettes containing nicotine derived from tobacco leaves and electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes without nicotine are classified as "tobacco-like products" and are excluded from fines. However, since the location was overseas, some opinions suggest that Jennie may not face penalties even if she smoked indoors.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
