From Lim Young-woong to Timothée Chalamet: Celebrities Face Backlash for Indoor Smoking
Superstars are under scrutiny for indoor smoking.
D.O. (Do Kyung-soo), a member of the group EXO and also an actor, recently faced a fine for indoor smoking from the Mapo District Public Health Center.
Last month, he was caught vaping in the waiting room of MBC's 'Show! Music Core' located in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul. A netizen reported the incident after capturing it on video, leading to the fine.
According to the National Health Promotion Act, a fine of up to 100,000 won can be imposed for smoking indoors in designated non-smoking areas.
The netizen shared the official response from the Mapo District Public Health Center online. The center stated, "The individual and his agency claimed the e-cigarette contained no nicotine, but without proof of such, a fine was imposed." They also added that D.O. has committed to adhering to the law diligently in the future.
Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet recently faced criticism for smoking indoors during a public date with billionaire Kylie Jenner.
On September 4th (local time), according to various media outlets including the UK's Daily Mail, the two were spotted attending a Beyoncé concert in Los Angeles, California. Not only was it their first public date, but they also freely displayed affection, becoming a hot topic.
However, a netizen's camera captured more than just their date. A video shared on social media platforms showed Chalamet casually smoking inside the venue and even flicking ash. According to the New York Post and other foreign media, netizens criticized Chalamet for his nonchalant attitude towards smoking in an enclosed stadium, especially in areas where indoor smoking is prohibited.
Past incidents of superstar indoor smoking controversies have also occurred.
In 2021, Lim Young-woong was caught vaping in a non-smoking area inside the DMC Digital Cube building in Mapo District.
The incident began when a netizen reported seeing Lim Young-woong exhaling vapor in a corner of a video shot in the waiting room of TV Chosun's variety show 'Ppong School'. Consequently, he was fined 100,000 won by the Mapo District Office.
At the time, New Era Project, which managed Lim Young-woong, clarified that the e-cigarette was a non-nicotine product. They stated, "The criteria for imposing a smoking fine specify that the subject contains tobacco or nicotine. However, it seems regrettable that a fine was imposed for the act of smoking itself."
Nevertheless, Lim Young-woong separately posted an apology on his fan cafe, saying, "I will take today as a lesson, reflect on myself, and strive to become a mature person. I deeply take to heart the reprimands and admonitions sent my way."
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