'Always playing the victim': BLACKPINK's Jennie criticized for explanation behind smoking apology

After facing significant backlash for vaping indoors—illegal in many countries, including South Korea—and blowing smoke towards her stylist's face, BLACKPINK's Jennie issued a public apology for her actions. Recently, she addressed the incident and explained her reasons for apologizing.

In a cover story interview with Harper's BAZAAR on Wednesday (September 18), Jennie reflected on the July incident in Italy, where she was seen vaping while getting her hair and makeup done in a vlog shared on her YouTube channel. The video, titled "A Moment in Capri with Jennie," was later edited to remove the scene of her vaping and blowing smoke on her stylist.

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Recalling the incident and the apology, Jennie said, "What can I do? If Korean people think it's wrong, I've got to make up for it". Jennie also said she understood from her fans' point of view why she needed to say something. "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," she added.

This sentence has not sat well with many. While her fans continue to blindly support her, K-pop fans in general have pointed out that smoking indoors, especially blowing smoke in someone's face, is not about culture but basic manners and decency. Many have criticized her for always playing the "victim" despite being at fault, with some even comparing her to the "Selena Gomez of K-pop."

About Jennie's vaping incident:

In July, a clip surfaced showing her preparing for her runway debut at fashion designer Jacquemus' show in Italy. A week later, the South Korean singer's representatives at OA (ODD ATELIER) issued an apology, stating that she had not intended to offend anyone by using a vape indoors.

"We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jennie’s actions in the content released on the 2nd," read the note from OA Entertainment, a record label founded by the performer in 2023.

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It 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 through this incident. We hope to prevent this from reoccurring in the future. Thank you," the statement concluded.

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