Blackpink star Jennie has found herself in hot water after a video of her vaping indoors sparked outrage in South Korea. The K-pop sensation exhaled a puff of smoke that blew into the face of her make-up artist, leading to a barrage of criticism from fans and the public.
In response to the backlash, Jennie issued a public apology through her label OA Entertainment, expressing regret for her actions and the inconvenience caused to staff. The label also apologized to fans who were disappointed by the incident.
South Korean celebrities are held to strict moral and behavioral standards, and any misstep is quickly noticed by the public. Smoking and vaping indoors is banned in South Korea, punishable by a fine of up to ₩100,000 ($72; £56).
While it is unclear where the video was filmed, some accounts suggest it may have been in Italy, where vaping in enclosed public spaces is also prohibited. This has led to calls for an investigation from one furious South Korean citizen.
Jennie is not the first South Korean celebrity to face backlash over smoking, with past incidents involving members of popular K-pop groups EXO and NCT. Despite the controversy, Jennie’s international fans have shown support and forgiveness, praising her for owning up to her mistake.
Blackpink, formed in 2016, is the world’s biggest K-pop girl group, with members Jisoo, Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé each achieving celebrity status in their own right. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense scrutiny faced by South Korean celebrities and the importance of upholding public expectations.
