A now-deleted video of K-pop megastar Jennie from Blackpink apparently smoking a vape indoors has sparked online controversy, with Seoul’s foreign ministry receiving a formal complaint on the matter. The footage shows Jennie exhaling vape smoke while surrounded by hair and makeup artists, violating South Korea’s laws against smoking indoors. The incident triggered widespread outrage online, with the issue trending on social media platforms.
The video, initially part of a live blog on YouTube for fans, was later removed, although copies continued to circulate on the internet. Headlines like “Blackpink Jennie” and “indoor smoking” dominated discussions in South Korea, with news agencies reporting on the incident extensively in the Korean-language media. A user claimed the smoking took place in Italy’s Capri, where Jennie was filming, prompting calls for an investigation by authorities in both countries.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed receiving a petition related to the incident, highlighting the seriousness of the matter. Blackpink, one of the most successful K-pop girl groups, has faced criticism over the video, raising questions about Jennie’s judgment and behavior. The strict training standards imposed on K-pop stars, including prohibitions on smoking, dating, and swearing, are well-known in the industry, and Jennie has previously expressed her struggles with these expectations.
It is reported that only five percent of South Korean women smoke, reflecting low smoking rates among female populations in the country. Despite the relatively high smoking rates in South Korea, there are strong societal norms against smoking indoors, particularly in public settings. South Korean pop stars like Jennie are held to high standards and are expected to adhere to strict behavioral guidelines, especially in the early years of their careers. Jennie’s admission of the challenges she faced during her training period sheds light on the pressures faced by K-pop idols to maintain a clean image.
Blackpink’s success and international recognition have made the group one of the leading K-pop acts globally, achieving milestones like topping the US Billboard 200 chart and headlining prestigious music events like Coachella. The controversy surrounding Jennie’s vaping incident has highlighted the impact of social media scrutiny on celebrities, especially in the K-pop industry, where artists are under constant public scrutiny. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by K-pop idols in maintaining their public image while navigating the pressures of stardom.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Jennie’s indoor vaping incident has sparked a debate on smoking norms and celebrity behaviors in South Korea. Despite the cultural norms against smoking indoors, the incident involving a high-profile figure like Jennie has raised questions about the enforcement of these laws. The incident sheds light on the challenges faced by K-pop stars in maintaining a clean public image and adhering to strict behavioral standards. As K-pop continues to gain global popularity, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the complexities of fame and the expectations placed on idols in the industry.
