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BLACKPINK Jennie recently became the center of a significant controversy.
A video surfaced where she was seen vaping indoors, which caused a wave of backlash in South Korea. The incident involved Jennie exhaling smoke that blew into the face of her makeup artist. Some saw this action as a breach of common courtesy and a violation of South Korean law.
South Korean law bans smoking and vaping indoors, and fines can reach up to ₩100,000 ($72).
Public Reaction and Apology
The video was initially posted on Jennie’s YouTube channel and was quickly deleted. Despite the efforts to retract it, the footage had already been widely shared among her more than 10 million subscribers and beyond.
Fans and critics voiced their opinions, with many expressing disappointment. A famous comment on YouTube pointed out ‘the lack of basic manners,’ and another emphasized that ‘even smokers usually avoid puffing smoke in someone else’s face.’
Jennie’s label, OA Entertainment, issued an apology acknowledging the incident, and Jennie expressed deep regret for her mistake. The apology was directed to “everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jennie’s actions, ” particularly her “disappointed fans” and the staff affected.
This public statement highlights the intense scrutiny South Korean celebrities face, where their behavior is expected to adhere to strict moral standards.
Speculations and Broader Context
Location Ambiguity
Although the video was widely assumed to have been filmed in South Korea, some speculations suggest it might have been shot in Italy. Like South Korea, Italy has laws against vaping in enclosed public spaces.
The exact location remains unclear as Jennie’s agency provided no specific details. Despite this ambiguity, the backlash extended to demands for an investigation by South Korean authorities.
Comparison to Other Celebrities
The controversy recalls similar instances with other South Korean celebrities, such as Doh Kyung-soo from EXO and Haechan from NCT, who faced backlash for indoor smoking.
Their apologies did little to stem the public criticism they faced, illustrating the high expectations placed upon celebrities in South Korea.
Fan Support and Global Impact
However, international fans of Jennie have shown a more supportive stance. Many have voiced their continued support on social media platforms like Instagram, emphasizing forgiveness and learning from mistakes.
Comments like “You are queen, and we will support you forever” reflect the unwavering loyalty of her global fanbase.
BLACKPINK, which was formed in 2016, has achieved global fame, becoming the most prominent K-pop girl group in the world.
The group’s members – Jisoo, Lisa, Jennie, and Rosé – have each garnered significant individual followings.
Despite this incident, Jennie’s celebrity status and the loyalty of her fans remain robust, highlighting the complex dynamics between public figures and their audience.
The incident has not only made headlines but also sparked discussions about behavior, legalities, and public figures’ responsibilities, especially in the context of South Korea’s stringent societal expectations.
This situation serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny placed on celebrities and the potential ramifications of their actions in the public eye.
