BLACKPINK's Jennie recently apologized for her indoor smoking controversy, drawing attention from foreign media.

Jennie faced criticism for smoking an e-cigarette in a waiting room at an Italian fashion show, where indoor smoking is banned. She was also seen exhaling smoke towards a staff member's face.

On the 9th, Jennie's agency, OA (Odd Atelier), apologized, saying, "We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with Jennie's behavior in the content released on the 2nd. Jennie regrets smoking indoors and causing inconvenience to other staff members. She has personally contacted the staff present to apologize."

The BBC covered this on the 10th, noting, "Korean celebrities are accustomed to such intense scrutiny. South Korea applies strict moral and behavioral standards to them, and no mistake is overlooked." They also reported on Korean netizens' reactions, with comments like, "'It's not just about smoking. Blowing smoke into an employee's face indoors is rude.'"

On the other hand, Jennie's international fans showed support. On Jennie's latest Instagram post, the most liked comment read, "Don't listen to anyone. You are a queen, and we will support you forever."

The BBC added, "Jennie is not the first Korean celebrity to be criticized for smoking. EXO's D.O. (Do Kyung-soo) and NCT's Haechan were also caught smoking indoors and faced severe criticism. They all paid fines and apologized to the public."

CNN also reported on Jennie's apology, stating, "K-pop stars often face tremendous scrutiny from their fans." They mentioned the dating rumors involving aespa's Karina and actor Lee Jae-wook in March. The two confirmed their relationship but announced their breakup just five weeks later. CNN pointed out, "Karina apologized to fans after her relationship with Lee Jae-wook was revealed. Some angry fans sent a truck with a billboard to her agency (SM Entertainment) headquarters, which read, 'Why did you betray the fans?'"

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NewJeans' Minji touched fans' hearts with a handwritten letter on her birthday — even while the group is currently unable to promote due to legal issues.

On May 7, Minji celebrated her birthday by sharing a heartfelt message on the group’s personal SNS account, which the members opened themselves to stay connected with fans.

Minji began her letter with honesty, writing, “I think I’m living a busier life than I expected. When I finally looked up, it was already May, and it was my birthday.”

She admitted that she had a lot she wanted to say, but her thoughts felt “messy.” Still, her message to fans was clear, “I just hope that I, our members, and Bunnies can all be happy. Happiness is the biggest goal in my life.”

Minji then opened up about her personal journey and struggles, saying, “I sometimes think that running toward my happiness by doing what I love might look foolish to others. But isn’t giving up your happiness now for the sake of a future that might not even come… too harsh on yourself?”

Despite everything, she ended on a hopeful note, “I really miss the times when we shared our feelings through the good music we made together. But I always look forward to what’s ahead."

She added, "We didn’t stop here, and we’re not going to stop! It might look like we’re standing still, but I believe we’re growing deeper.”

Her message comes during a difficult time for NewJeans. The group announced last year that they were cutting ties with ADOR, their original agency, after trust was broken. They later began working independently under the new name ‘NJZ’.

However, ADOR responded with legal action — claiming the exclusive contract with NewJeans was still valid and asking the court to stop the group from promoting or signing deals.

The court sided with ADOR and granted an injunction, forcing NewJeans to pause their activities. Their appeal was rejected, and they’ve now filed a second appeal.

Through it all, Minji’s message proves one thing — even when forced to stop, NewJeans' hearts are still moving forward.

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