Jennie of Blackpink issued an apology on Tuesday, July 9, following fan concerns after she was seen smoking a vape indoors in a recent YouTube vlog.
According to France’s AFP news agency, smoking indoors, including the use of vape devices, is prohibited in South Korea.
OA, the record label and company Jennie founded last year, released a statement via X on Tuesday addressing the issue.
“We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jennie’s actions in the content released on the 2nd,” the statement read.
The statement continued, “Jennie acknowledges and deeply regrets her mistake of vaping indoors and causing inconvenience to the staff.
Jennie has personally apologized to all the staff on-site who may have been affected. We apologize to her fans who have been disappointed by this incident. We hope to prevent this from reoccurring in the future.”
AFP reported that Jennie, 28, was seen vaping in a now-deleted vlog while sitting in a makeup chair as her team worked on her. Despite the video’s removal, it has since been circulated on social media.
On Tuesday, South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it had received a complaint regarding the incident and would be investigating it.
Jennie is a member of the globally renowned K-pop group Blackpink, alongside Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa. In 2023, Blackpink made history as the first K-pop group to headline Coachella.
In South Korea, K-pop idols are often held to stringent behavioral standards, according to AFP.
In the 2020 Netflix documentary Blackpink: Light Up the Sky, Jennie discussed the strict rules imposed on Blackpink members when the group was formed in 2016.
“It’s really harsh,” Jennie said in the documentary. “We were not allowed to drink, smoke, or get a tattoo,” she added, reflecting on her training period.
While Blackpink is set to continue as a group following their contract renewal with YG Entertainment in December, Jennie has also launched her own company to pursue a solo career.
In December, Jennie shared her excitement about the future on her Instagram Story, saying, “Hi, this is Jennie. This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I’m so thankful for all the love I’ve received.
I’m also excited about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course Blackpink. Thank you.”
