Jennie, a member of the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK, has recently found herself at the center of a controversy surrounding her alleged indoor smoking incident while overseas. The controversy erupted after fans discovered footage in one of Jennie's YouTube vlogs showing her allegedly smoking an electronic cigarette indoors.
In the video, which has since been removed, Jennie is seen holding a dark-colored device to her lips while receiving hair and makeup services, followed by exhaling smoke in the next frame. While Jennie is of legal age to smoke, the act of smoking indoors, whether using traditional cigarettes or electronic devices, is often prohibited in many countries, including South Korea and Italy where she was reportedly filming.
Netizens and fans alike criticized Jennie for potentially disregarding indoor smoking laws and for exposing her staff to second-hand smoke. Indoor smoking regulations are taken seriously due to health concerns and legal restrictions aimed at protecting individuals from the effects of second-hand smoke. The incident has sparked a debate online about the responsibilities of public figures and the importance of adhering to local laws, regardless of one's status or location.
In response to the growing criticism, Jennie's agency, ODD ATELIER, has released a statement acknowledging the issue and stating that they are currently investigating the facts surrounding the controversy. According to the statement, "Jennie is currently in the United States. We are in the process of verifying the facts about the controversy".
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The controversy has also led to a concerned netizen, identified as 'A', taking to an online community to voice grievances and call for action. According to reports, 'A' asserted that the controversial smoking scene involving Jennie likely occurred at a recent filming location on the Italian island of Capri, where regulations strictly forbid smoking in enclosed spaces. 'A' formally lodged a complaint via the National Petition Portal to the Korean Embassy in Italy, urging for an investigation into the matter.
This incident draws parallels to past controversies involving celebrities such as actor Ji Chang-wook and singer Do Kyung-soo, who faced similar backlash and public scrutiny after being caught smoking indoors. Their actions had prompted apologies amid criticisms for disregarding smoking regulations and showing insensitivity towards those in their vicinity.
As ODD ATELIER continues to investigate the matter, public scrutiny and discussion surrounding Jennie's actions are expected to persist. Jennie's team will likely need to address the controversy head-on and provide a clear explanation for her actions, while also acknowledging the concerns raised by netizens and fans. The incident serves as a reminder of the responsibilities and expectations placed on public figures, especially in the age of social media where their every move is under constant scrutiny.
