Netizens are defending Baekhyun after the emergence of a certain photo.

On media outlets, netizens are commenting on the EXO member's controversy for being caught with a packet of cigarettes in front of him, as seen in his acquaintance's recent Instagram photo. In the snapshot, Baekhyun is actively posing with the uploader of the photo, believed to be a member of the staff.

Shortly after the photograph saw light of day, the acquaintance deleted the photo and re-uploaded from an angle that concealed the controversial packet of cigarettes. However, eager fans had already disseminated the original photo across social media platforms, prompting a heated discussion about Baekhyun's alleged smoking habit. 

One fan captioned the photo as: "Baekhyun~ You smoke? You were not someone like that. Explain."

However, not all reactions were critical. Many fans defended Baekhyun's right to smoke, pointing to his age and right to privacy. "Baekhyun is over thirty. Just let him smoke, jeez,"  fans remarked.

Netizens on other media outlets also left heaps of words echoing this latter reaction, telling people to "leave Baekhyun alone."

Some comments include:

"So difficult to be an idol. Isn't it their freedom to smoke or not"

"Being a celebrity in Korea is the most difficult level of career lol"
"Lol it's not even a photo in which he is being caught smoking, just a packet lol"
"Isn't it one's freedom to smoke or not as an adult? Why would he have to explain himself"
"Baekhyun, I'm okay with it!! Cigarettes aren't great but Baekhyun is over thirty and telling you not to smoke is infringing on your private life!"
"Who cares..."
"Don't other regular people also smoke"
"Seriously, why are people so sensitive to this"
"Explain?? Lollll"
"Lol do they have to ask your permission to smoke? Then do they also have to ask your permission to use the bathroom"

What are your thoughts?