BLACKPINK's Jennie is speaking out again about the indoor smoking controversy that sparked significant backlash earlier this year.

In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, published on September 19, she reflected on the incident that took place in July, when she was criticized for smoking an electronic cigarette indoors while in Italy.

The media outlet highlighted the challenges BLACKPINK faces, noting, "For BLACKPINK, privacy is a luxury, and the members' spontaneous actions can lead to incidents. The positive influence of music is just as important as the music itself," referencing Jennie's previous apology regarding the smoking incident.

In her response, Jennie stated, "What can I do? If Koreans think I was wrong, I want to make amends. I understand why they are upset. This is a cultural and historical matter." Her words reflect her desire to consider her fans' perspectives and show understanding of their feelings.

The controversy erupted when Jennie was filmed smoking an electronic cigarette during a vlog on her YouTube channel while getting her makeup done. The situation intensified when it appeared she was exhaling smoke towards the staff working on her.

In the aftermath, Jennie issued a heartfelt apology through her agency, saying, "I sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable. I reflect on smoking indoors and the inconvenience it caused to the staff. I also directly contacted the staff present at the scene to apologize."

However, major media outlets like CNN and BBC pointed out the intense scrutiny that Korean celebrities face, stating, "Korean entertainers are accustomed to this kind of monitoring. Strict moral and behavioral standards are applied to them, and no mistake goes unnoticed."

As Jennie navigates this challenging situation, her commitment to understanding and making amends remains clear. Fans are eager to see how she continues to handle the complexities of fame and public perception.

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Hyun Bin is finally addressing the long-standing "ddongcha" (poop car) theory surrounding his character from My Name is Kim Sam-soon—and he's not holding back!

In an interview on the 19th with Star News, the beloved actor confessed, "I was wrong," responding to the reevaluation of his iconic role as Hyun Jin-heon from the 2005 hit drama. The "ddongcha" theory has been a subject of online debate for years, with many viewers critiquing Hyun Jin-heon’s character as overly arrogant and entitled.

Hyun Bin, who first rose to fame in My Name is Kim Sam-soon, took the time to reflect on the character that made him a household name. He shared, “I was just following the script; there were no personal opinions added to the character of Hyun Jin-heon. At that time, I knew Hyun Jin-heon was portrayed as a ‘bad boy,’ and the way it was expressed was different from today’s standards.”

With My Name is Kim Sam-soon now being re-released as part of Wavve's "New Classic" project, fans are revisiting the 2005 drama, and the character of Hyun Jin-heon is under fresh scrutiny. Director Kim Yun-cheol even admitted that the "prince on a white horse" and "bad boy" tropes that once worked in 2005 don’t quite match today's sensibilities, leading to edits in the 2024 version.

Hyun Bin humbly acknowledged his gratitude for his successful career and hit works, saying, "It’s wonderful and I am grateful to have so many hit works. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing writers, directors, and actors. Thanks to them, I’ve received a lot of attention and love." He also shared a sense of humility, noting, “But I never know when that luck will come again."

Despite the dramatic shift in perspective on his character, Hyun Bin’s charm and dedication remain strong. Fans are eager to see him in his upcoming film Harbin (directed by Woo Min-ho), set to be released on the 24th.

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