From BTS' Taehyung to BLACKPINK's Jennie: K-pop idols who were spotted smoking or vaping

Reports of K-pop idols getting entangled in the smoking or vaping controversies have stirred the online community lately. However, several reports were mere allegations while other times the K-pop idols apologized to fans for their actions.

Big names like BTS's Taehyung, Jungkook, Namjoon, BLACKPINK's Jennie, EXO's D.O., and ITZY Ryujin, among others have surfaced online for alleged smoking. While some fans have criticized them, others have shown support by underscoring that the idols have personal lives and make their own decisions.

The K-pop industry is well-known for maintaining the pristine image of its idols, hence, when clips or pictures of an idol smoking surface online, it often causes distress among fans.

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6 K-pop stars who were spotted smoking or vaping

Here's a list of six instances when K-pop stars were seen allegedly smoking:

1) BLACKPINK's Jennie

On July 2, 2024, Jennie posted her vlog, A Moment in Capri with Jennie, on her official YouTube channel. Eagle-eyed fans noted that Jennie was vaping indoors while getting ready before her Jacquemas fashion show and the clip went viral online on July 8.

A netizen even reported her to the Italian embassy for indoor smoking. Later, she issued a letter apologizing for vaping indoors and neglecting the health of her staff.

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2) BTS's Taehyung

BTS's Kim Taehyung aka V made news when he was spotted smoking outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which hosted the 2022 Grammy Awards. The Love Me Again singer-songwriter was seen standing in a smoking zone with his bodyguard, seemingly holding cigarettes.

Fans' reactions were divided online as some didn't find any fault in the singer's smoking.

BTS Taehyung allegedly smoking outside the 2022 GRAMMY venue. (Images via X/@jshcinOT7)

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3) BTS's Jungkook

In September 2022, BTS's Jungkook was spotted smoking in California, Los Angeles. He was standing in a parking lot, dressed casually in trousers and a black T-shirt. The K-pop sensation was spotted smoking with a few of his staff members outside the Matsuhisa restaurant.

The clip went viral online, resulting in an online debate about whether he broke California's smoking law, however, the claims were debunked.

BTS Jungkook smoking outside a restaurant in California. (Images via X/@Millie6181)

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4) BTS's Namjoon

In November 2023, BTS's leader Namjoon aka RM, inadvertently uploaded a photo of himself smoking a cigarette on his Instagram story. Even though he deleted the post within a few hours, the picture went viral online. Namjoon was seen standing next to a friend who covered his head as they were smoking in public.

Later he addressed the topic via Weverse livestream and said that since it is his personal life, people shouldn't remark on it. He added that he would rather be honest with his fans than hide anything from them.

BTS Namjoon accidentally posted a picture of him smoking. (Images via X/@atzfeen)

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5) EXO's D.O.

A clip of EXO's D.O. using an e-cigarette/vape inside the MBC headquarters went viral online in August 2023. The clip is from the behind-the-scenes video of EXO's Show! Music Core, which was released on its official YouTube account. Fans criticized the K-pop idol for disregarding the safety guidelines.

The 30-year-old EXO's vocalist was reportedly fined for breaking South Korea's National Health Enhancement Act's smoking ban, over a month after the incident. He was fined 100,000 won (approximately $75).

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6) ITZY's Ryujin

In May 2024, ITZY member Ryujin's pictures from Amsterdam, Netherlands, went viral online after she posted several images on the fan community site Bubble. Netizens noticed a seemingly vape cartridge clutched by the female idol in one picture. Fans claimed that Ryujin was vaping while others stated that it was an inhaler.

However, the majority of her fanbase offered their support by stating that it is inappropriate to criticize Ryujin's personal lifestyle as she is an adult.

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Other K-pop idols have reportedly been photographed smoking many times, including AOA members Hyejeong and Seolhyun, EXO members Sehun, Kai, and Tao, SHINee members Onew and Taemin, HIGHLIGHT's Gikwang, and others.