Former entertainment journalist turned YouTuber Lee Jin Ho addressed the controversy over Jennie's indoor smoking.
On July 10, he posted a video titled "BLACKPINK Jennie's Exposed Personality? Why did the staff look so Unhappy?" on his YouTube channel.
The controversy began when BLACKPINK's Jennie uploaded a vlog on her YouTube channel, documenting her activities in Capri, Italy. The problematic scene showed Jennie vaping during a makeup session while surrounded by staff members. This escalated when it appeared that she was blowing smoke in the staff's faces.
However, Lee Jin Ho mentioned, "According to field staff, many celebrities smoke electronic cigarettes during photo shoots or makeup sessions, not just Jennie."
Lee Jin Ho explained, "It's an unspoken rule in the industry. Celebrities often don't eat for days during photo shoots, making them extremely sensitive on set." He continued, "For celebrities, vaping is almost the only way to relieve stress, and it's generally accepted by the staff who think 'better to vape than to get angry on set.'"
He also noted that if celebrities smoke outside, they risk being seen by others, potentially damaging their image. Therefore, some agencies even encourage indoor smoking.
However, Lee Jin Ho pointed out the hierarchical relationship between staff and celebrities, saying, "How many staff members could actually tell a celebrity not to smoke on set?"
Meanwhile, Jennie's independent label Odd Atelier (OA) addressed the controversy, stating, "She regrets smoking indoors and causing inconvenience to other staff members. Jennie has personally reached out to apologize to the staff present at the time."
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