Actor Ock Joo Hyun sparks debate with smoking practice video using vitamin stick for musical role.

Ock Joo Hyun, a musical actor, recently shared a video on her Instagram of herself practicing a smoking scene with a vitamin stick for an upcoming musical. The video, which she posted on November 4th KST with the caption “Smoking is difficult,” shows her mimicking the actions of a smoker by inhaling from the stick and exhaling to produce a smoking effect. She also received coaching from another actor on how to hold a cigarette. While some applaud her dedication to her craft, others feel sharing such content on social media may be inappropriate.

Fans who supported Ock’s approach commented, “Seeing how thoroughly she prepares even for a brief scene makes me anticipate the musical even more,” and, “It’s impressive how dedicated she is.” However, critics expressed concern, stating, “Even if it’s just for practice, this isn’t right. It could look like a real cigarette and be misleading,” and, “Posting this on social media where minors can see it is inappropriate.”

Ock is known for being a non-smoker, especially as a way to protect her voice. Comedian Kang Ho Dong previously shared a story about how, during Ock’s time with the group Fin.K.L, she once firmly told him to “put out the cigarette” while they shared a car, leading him to quit smoking.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued guidelines last year urging media producers to limit the display and portrayal of smoking scenes, especially when involving celebrities, to prevent any influence on youth curiosity or behavior regarding smoking.

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