Blackpink's Jennie apologizes for vaping indoors causing backlash
- Blackpink's Jennie Kim issued an apology for vaping indoors after facing criticism.
- A video clip of the K-pop star smoking a vape indoors sparked outrage online.
- Jennie Kim's apology was issued through her Odd Atelier record label.
In a recent turn of events, K-pop sensation Jennie from Blackpink has issued an apology following a video that surfaced showing her vaping indoors, causing a stir in South Korea. The incident, which has since been deleted, occurred during a video posted on Jennie's official YouTube channel and quickly garnered attention from her 10 million-plus subscribers and beyond. The backlash stemmed from the act being seen as disrespectful towards staff, as smoking and vaping indoors is prohibited in South Korea and can result in a fine of up to ₩100,000. Despite the outcry in South Korea, Jennie's international fans have been more forgiving, expressing their unwavering support for the star. However, this incident is not the first time a South Korean celebrity has faced criticism for smoking indoors, with previous instances involving other prominent figures in the K-pop industry. The scrutiny faced by these celebrities highlights the strict behavioral standards they are expected to uphold, including restrictions on smoking, dating, and swearing. Jennie's agency, OA Entertainment, has issued a statement on her behalf, expressing regret for the incident and apologizing to those affected. The agency emphasized Jennie's personal apology to the staff involved and pledged to present a more mature image in the future. The incident has prompted calls for investigation from South Korean authorities, with demands for strict action to be taken in response to the indoor smoking controversy. As a member of the highly successful K-pop group Blackpink, Jennie's actions have sparked discussions about common sense and behavior among celebrities. The incident has raised questions about the expectations placed on South Korean pop stars, who undergo rigorous training and are held to high standards of conduct. Despite the controversy, Jennie remains a prominent figure in the music industry, with her agency announcing plans for her solo journey with the establishment of OA, a new label founded by the artist.