In the wake of BLACKPINK Jennie’s recent “indoor smoking” controversy, actress Lee Min Jung’s birthday video has now sparked an unexpected online debate.
Previously, Jennie faced criticism after a scene from a vlog released in July showed her using an electronic cigarette while getting her hair and makeup done indoors. The footage, which also appeared to show her exhaling smoke toward staff members, drew accusations of being inconsiderate and even led to so called “power trip” allegations. Her agency, OA Entertainment, issued an apology, stating, “We apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable.”
Amid this backdrop, actress Lee Min Jung recently uploaded a birthday reel on social media that ignited another discussion surrounding smoking imagery.
Along with the video, she wrote, “Friends showing me a draft saying this reel is trending… I was too lazy to film it, but when asked, I do it properly. HBD, thank you all for the birthday wishes… Thank you to the staff for the shoot as well. Thanks a lot!! Return gifts are AHC Eye Cream for Face.”
In the clip, Lee Min Jung stands in front of a cake wearing sunglasses. She places a lit birthday candle in her mouth, striking a pose reminiscent of someone smoking a cigarette. She then inserts the candle into the cake while making a playful, somewhat sexy expression, before shifting into a series of cute poses, maintaining a lighthearted mood throughout the video.
Some netizens responded by saying, “Poses that evoke smoking should be handled more carefully,” and “It feels more sensitive given the recent Jennie controversy.” Others, however, argued that it was merely a conceptual video, not actual smoking, calling the backlash an overreaction. “It’s just a trending reel format,” some commented.
There are also views pointing out that Lee Min Jung’s case differs in nature from Jennie’s, as it did not involve actual smoking but rather a staged concept. However, with public scrutiny over smoking related imagery in the entertainment industry becoming increasingly heightened, even minor expressions appear to be fueling heated debate.
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