Jennie, a member of BLACKPINK who previously faced public criticism for indoor smoking and secondhand smoke controversies, apologised and displayed behaviour reminiscent of smoking in a video released to mark her birthday.
Jennie posted a short video celebrating her 30th birthday on her social media account on the 16th. In the video, Jennie holds a cake, then dons sunglasses and a character headband, which friends give her. She then has a long birthday candle in her mouth and lights it with a torch. She then places the candle in the cake and blows it out, sending smoke flying toward the camera. Jennie then removes her sunglasses and beams at the camera, seemingly revelling in her joy.
While this may have been a simple video production to celebrate her birthday, given Jennie’s history of indoor and secondhand smoke controversies, it could easily have drawn public backlash.
Jennie faced harsh criticism in 2024 when footage surfaced of her smoking an e-cigarette indoors and blowing smoke into a staff member’s face during a filming session in Capri, Italy. Jennie’s agency acknowledged the incident and apologised directly to the staff, and her agency also issued an official apology, bowing their head.
Given Jennie’s experience, the birthday celebration video, reminiscent of her smoking, leaves something to be desired. There are countless ways to light birthday candles, so why would she choose that particular method? Of course, it doesn’t appear to be intentional. However, the birthday celebration video, which appears completely oblivious to the past controversy and apology, raises questions about the sincerity of her past apology.
This is why some are criticising her for simply creating a cheerful and lighthearted video to celebrate what should have been a birthday celebration, while others are criticising her for downplaying her past controversies and apologies.
