Following an incident involving indoor smoking, Korean internet users are criticizing BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Although a purported employee made an effort to justify her behavior, a large portion of online users still disagree.
Incident and Defense
A netizen who claimed to be a staff member present during the incident posted in an online community on July 10 KST. “The location was the ‘JACQUEMUS’ fashion show preparation site, and the room was not designated as a non-smoking area,” they said. Before vaping with a window open, everyone was asked for permission to smoke.”
“While her makeup staff was looking for a lip product, Jennie started smoking a bubble pen that she had purchased from a convenience store,” the netizen went on. The workers simply turned around at the incorrect moment. Jennie repeatedly apologized to the employee, even after the performance was over. The employee claimed that since she smokes herself, it was OK.
“Blowing smoke in the direction of the staff can be regarded as problematic,” they decided. But this episode by itself shouldn’t raise questions about the artist’s past behavior or character. I’m sorry that this is leading to such confusion as I am her buddy.”
Netizens Reaction
Many Korean internet users disapproved of Jennie’s behavior despite her defense. Some pointed out that Italy forbids smoking in any indoor space, making the netizen’s remarks seem implausible.
Included comments:
“What is a paid worker like her supposed to say when her job is on the line? Get angry? Of course she’ll say it’s fine when it’s not.”
“All her staff act like her servants. Do they have no sense of self-awareness?”
“If you’re not the person who got smoke blown into their face, your opinion doesn’t matter.”
“The only thing this netizen’s defense did was give people reason to trash talk Jennie’s personality another day.”
“Who even believes this person is really one of the staff members? It could be anybody just impersonating the staff.”
“No matter the time and place, blowing smoke into someone else’s face is the lowest.”
“The actual staff who got smoke blown on her face is keeping quiet. She knows how to keep her job.”
“Indoor smoking shouldn’t be an issue of permission or consent. It should be banned, period!”
“If the staff treats the artists like their masters who can get away with anything, these unbalanced power relationships will never improve.”
“I’ve been smoking for 20 years but I have never seen anyone blow smoke in another smoker’s face so casually. Apparently this person knows nothing about smoking manners.”