- By Srishti Pandey
- Thu, 19 Sep 2024 06:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
BLACKPINK Jennie recently broke her silence regarding the indoor smoking controversy that sparked a heated online debate. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar US, the Kpop sensation addressed the incident, which involved her vaping indoors in Italy. A video clip of Jennie vaping went viral, prompting her agency to issue an official apology.
In the interview, Jennie expressed her understanding of why some fans were upset, saying, “What can I do? If Korean people think it is wrong, I have to make up for it." She emphasised that she sees the situation from her fans’ perspectives and acknowledges their concerns. Jennie explained, “It’s cultural, it’s history and time,” adding that she cannot go against what people believe is right. Despite the backlash, she is working on balancing the expectations that come with her fame and her journey toward self-discovery.
The incident garnered mixed reactions online, with netizens sharing divided opinions. Some fans rushed to Jennie’s defence, arguing that vaping indoors is a common practice for many. One user wrote, “Knets are sensitive about the little things, but at least she understood, respected and apologised. They don’t deserve her anyway.” Another fan commented, “Jennie shouldn’t have to apologize for something literally everyone does. We love you, Jennie!”
BLACKPINK's Jennie on why she apologized for vaping indoors:
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) September 19, 2024
"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". pic.twitter.com/xokG7xrQon
However, others were not as forgiving. One user pointed out, “Blowing the smoke onto someone’s face is disrespectful and inconsiderate. Why does she make it sound like it’s her Korean culture to blame and not her being rude?” Another detractor added, “Vaping isn’t the problem—it’s blowing it in someone’s face that’s wrong. It’s not cultural; it’s just common sense.”
안녕하세요.
— OA (@oddatelier) July 9, 2024
OA엔터테인먼트입니다.
지난 2일 공개된 콘텐츠 내 제니의 행동에 불편함을 느끼신 모든 분께 진심으로 사과의 말씀을 전합니다.
제니 또한 실내에서 흡연한 점, 그로 인해 다른 스태프분들에게 피해를 드린 점에 대해 반성하고 있으며 당시 현장에 있던 스태프에게도 직접 연락을 취해… pic.twitter.com/pAQnXOBg19
While opinions continue to differ, Jennie has apologised and acknowledged the cultural sensitivities involved. Jennie, who debuted with BLACKPINK in 2016, has been a central figure in the Kpop world. Aside from her work with the group, she has also enjoyed solo success, with hits like SOLO and her recent collaboration with Zico, SPOT! Fans recently saw her reunite with her BLACKPINK members for their 8th debut anniversary, marking another milestone in her career.
As Jennie prepares to release her solo album under her own label, Odd Atelier, in partnership with Columbia Records, she continues to balance the pressures of fame with her artistic ambitions. Despite the vaping controversy, Jennie's fans stand by her, with some applauding her for addressing the issue while others remain divided.