“If Korean people think it’s wrong, I’ve got to make up for it”- BLACKPINK's Jennie reasons addressing her indoor vaping controversy

In a recent interview published by Harper's BAZAAR on September 19, 2024, BLACKPINK's Jennie addressed various topics, including her Hollywood debut in HBO's The Idol and the launch of her record label, ODDATELIER. During the conversation, she also discussed a vaping controversy from July 2024 that had drawn significant attention.

When questioned by Harper's BAZAAR about the incident, the singer reflected on the cultural sensitivities involved. She expressed an understanding of why people were upset, stating that it was important to view the situation from her fans' perspective.

Acknowledging the significance of cultural and historical contexts, Jennie said:

“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."

While in Italy for work, a video surfaced showing the rapper vaping indoors, with criticism mounting after it appeared she exhaled smoke toward her makeup artist. Following the backlash, she issued a formal apology.

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BLACKPINK's Jennie issued an apology following backlash over indoor vaping incident

Jennie addressed the backlash she faced for vaping indoors during her trip to Italy. The controversy arose after a video from her YouTube channel, titled "A Moment in Capri with Jennie," showed her vaping while getting her hair and makeup done.

Netizens quickly pointed out that she appeared to exhale smoke near a staff member, sparking criticism, particularly from South Korean viewers, where indoor vaping is prohibited by law. Following the backlash, her agency ODDATELIER released a public apology, expressing her regret over the incident. It stated,

"Hello. This is OA Entertainment. We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jennie’s actions in the content released on the 2nd. Jennie acknowledges and deeply regrets her mistake of vaping indoors and causing inconvenience to the staff."

The statement also mentioned that Jennie would be more mindful moving forward and that she had personally apologized to the staff member involved.

"Jennie has personally apologized to all the staff on-site who may have been affected. We apologize to her fans who have been disappointed through this incident. We hope to prevent this from reoccurring in the future."

The video in question has since been edited to remove the controversial scene. For those unfamiliar with the rules in South Korea, indoor smoking and vaping are strictly banned, with violators subject to fines of up to ₩100,000 (around $72 or £56).

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In other news, the You & Me singer has recently collaborated with Columbia Records through her label. While an official announcement is yet to be made, reports suggest that her solo single under this new partnership is slated for release in October.