“Jennie’s Apology Over Indoor Vaping Controversy Sparks Mixed Reactions

On September 19, 2024, the fashion publication Harpers Bazaar presented an exclusive interview and pictorial featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie on their official website. In this revealing interview, the popular artist tackled the indoor vaping controversy and discussed its cultural significance for Koreans, eliciting a range of reactions from online users.

For those unfamiliar with the situation, on July 9, 2024, Jennie’s management company, OA Entertainment, issued an apology for the discomfort caused by content posted on July 2. The agency further clarified that she regretted her vaping incident, as well as the resulting “inconvenience”caused to the staff involved.

A vlog uploaded on BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s YouTube channel on July 2, 2024, showcased the artist vaping indoors while receiving her makeup, blowing smoke toward the staff. This video was eventually removed by the agency after fans expressed legitimate concerns regarding smoking practices in confined spaces.

In the interview, BLACKPINK’s Jennie addressed the vaping controversy, stating:

“What can I do? If Korean people think it’s wrong, I’ve got to make up for it. It’s like, I get why you guys are upset. It’s cultural, it’s history. It’s time. And I can’t go against time.”

The artist’s response ignited a debate among internet users, with some perceiving her previous apology about the vaping incident as “insincere.”An X user remarked:

“Her apology was NOT sincere”

Netizens shared harsh criticisms regarding BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s recent remarks on the vaping issue.

“Smoking indoors and disrespectfully blowing smoke in the staff’s face isn’t about culture; it’s about basic decency, something she clearly lacks entirely,”a fan responded.

“Girl, I love you, but it’s inconsiderate to the people around you no matter which country you are in,”a fan added.

“So, according to her, blowing smoke in people’s faces is totally fine? She only apologized ’cause it’s not a ‘cultural thing’ in Korea. Lol, classic behavior from someone like her with zero class,”another fan commented.

Conversely, many users expressed their support for BLACKPINK’s Jennie, appreciating her acknowledgment of the mistake and advocating for moving forward.

“It’s good to accept the mistake and apologize, good on Jennie. Her attitude to tackle things is absolutely correct,”one user reacted.

“Koreans are doing too much, not gonna lie, and are making a small issue a bigger one,”a user noted.

“In other words, she called y’all annoying. Just as she should,”another user mentioned.

More about BLACKPINK’s Jennie

Jennie Kim, known professionally as Jennie, was born on January 16, 1996, in Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea. The multifaceted singer, actress, and rapper has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since 2012, working with various organizations including YG Entertainment, Interscope, Odd Atelier, and Columbia Records.

She made her debut with BLACKPINK in August 2016 under YG Entertainment, releasing the single album Square One, which included hits like Whistle and Boombayah. In 2023, Jennie founded her own label, Odd Atelier, after opting not to sign an individual contract with YG Entertainment.

On September 19, 2024, she launched her website, presenting an audio message where she warmly welcomed her fans, initially referring to them as Rubies, although her agency later clarified that this is not her official fandom name.

Recently, Jennie entered into an exclusive solo deal with Columbia Records on September 8, 2024.

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