Controversy over appearance of an object presumed to be an electronic cigarette in a vlog

Source: The Fact DB

[The Fact｜Reporter Park Ji-yoon] BLACKPINK Jennie bowed her head after admitting smoking indoors.

Her agency, OA Entertainment, said on the 9th, "We would like to sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jenny's actions in the content released on the 2nd."

First, the agency explained, "Jenny is also reflecting on the fact that she smoked indoors and the inconvenience it caused other staff members," and added, "We also directly contacted the staff members who were on site at the time and apologized."

Lastly, the agency added, "We would like to apologize to the fans who felt disappointed, and we will repay you with a more mature and better image in the future."

Source: Online Community

Earlier on the 8th, a short video titled ‘Jenny Smoking Indoors’ spread through various online communities and SNS. The video showed Jenny, who was getting her makeup and hair done by staff, putting something presumed to be an e- cigarette to her mouth and exhaling smoke.

The video is part of a vlog posted on Jenny's YouTube channel on the 2nd, and contains the process of her completing her overseas schedule. However, after controversy, the part was re-edited and re-posted.

Netizens who saw this responded with comments such as "You shouldn't smoke like that in front of the staff," "That's inconsiderate," "Smoking indoors," and "It may not be an electronic cigarette, so let's not criticize it hastily."

According to Article 9, Paragraph 4, No. 16 of the National Health Promotion Act, office buildings, factories, and mixed-use buildings with a total floor area of ​​1,000 m2 or more are designated as non-smoking areas throughout the facility. If you smoke indoors in a non-smoking area, you will be subject to a fine of up to 100,000 won.

However, those prohibited in non-smoking areas are cigarettes and e-cigarettes containing nicotine made from tobacco leaves. Electronic cigarettes that do not contain nicotine are considered 'cigarette-like products' and are not subject to fines. If the product is not marked as 'nicotine-free', this provision is recognized only if the party proves that it is a tobacco-like product.

This is not the first time a celebrity has been controversial about indoor smoking. Previously, actor Ji Chang-wook and EXO member and actor D.O (Do Kyung-soo) also expressed their apologies when they were caught smoking indoors.