BLACKPINK's Jennie embroiled in allegations of smoking indoors
BLACKPINK member Jennie is caught in controversy after being spotted allegedly smoking indoors while overseas. Captured from online community
BLACKPINK member Jennie is embroiled in controversy after being spotted allegedly smoking indoors while overseas.
Various online communities rapidly spread a video that appeared to show Jennie smoking indoors on Monday.
In the video, Jennie is receiving makeup and hair touch-ups from staff. During this process, she is seen holding an object presumed to be an electronic cigarette, taking a puff and exhaling smoke.
This footage was part of Jennie's YouTube vlog posted on July 2, but the scene has since been deleted. According to the National Health Promotion Act, office buildings and mixed-use buildings with a floor area of 1,000 square meters or more are designated as non-smoking areas here.
Smoking indoors in these areas can result in a fine of up to 100,000 won ($80).
However, since Jennie was overseas at the time, domestic laws do not apply.
Despite this, there has been significant criticism that Jennie's actions were inconsiderate of the staff attending to her face and hair.
Netizens in online communities have been sharply criticizing Jennie, with comments such as, "Do celebrities think indoor smoking is standard?" and "Even if you want to smoke, hold off."
Complaint with Korean Embassy in Italy
Separately, other media outlets reported that a netizen identified as "A" posted a notice on an online community. In the post, A claimed that Jennie's indoor smoking scene, which is currently controversial, likely took place at a recent filming site on the Italian island of Capri.
The netizen also mentioned having requested an investigation through the National Petition Portal to the Korean Embassy in Italy.
In addition, the author uploaded a screenshot showing that the complaint had been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In the complaint, "A" urged, "The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Italy should request an investigation from the Italian authorities regarding BLACKPINK's Jennie's indoor smoking incident and take strict action."
In the past, actor Ji Chang-wook and singer Do Kyung-soo also faced controversy and issued apologies for smoking indoors. Both received harsh criticism for smoking indoors while being around others.
Jennie attends the 2024 Met Gala celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, May 6. AFP-Yonhap
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.