Following being caught smoking an e-cigarette, EXO D.O. was reportedly fined by the Mapo District Health Center after violating a smoking ban under the National Health Enhancement Act.
EXO DO Fined for Violating Smoking Ban
In an online community, a netizen updated on EXO D.O.'s indoor-smoking controversy, which first sparked on August 3.
As a short context, a video featuring the idol circulated online where he was accused of using an e-cigarette. This happened inside the waiting room prior to their performance in MBC's music show, "Show! Music Core."
ALSO READ: EXO DO Smoking? K-pop Idol's Clip Sparks Debate Among Eris, Netizens
The clip was taken from EXO's behind-the-scene content uploaded on their YouTube channel. When fans raised suspicions of the idol smoking, the video was immediately edited, which made the public's suspicion grow even larger.
On September 6, the OP revealed that a concerned citizen filed a complaint against D.O. in August for smoking inside a building, despite MBC headquarters being a smoking-free area.
Along with this, the anonymous uploader shared a response from the Mapo District Health Center, unveiling that the male idol was actually fined for violating the smoking ban under the National Health Enhancement Act.
While SM Entertainment insisted the "Cream Soda" singer used an e-cigarette, it was found out that it might contain nicotine based on the product's ingredient list and instructions.
As a result, D.O. was fined for it but they attested that they would comply with the law.
Here's Full Statement from Mapo District Health Center:
Hello.
Thank you for showing your affection and interest in our district's health promotion administration.
We have received your valuable feedback on requesting measures to take against smoking in 267 Seongam-ro (MBC headquarters).
According to the National Health Promotion Act (Article 9 (4) 16), office buildings, factories, and multi-use buildings with a total floor area of more than 1,000 square meters are designated as non-smoking areas.
Re: D.O. smoking in a broadcasting company building was a violation of the non-smoking area. The parties (involved) and their company explained that they used a nicotine-free e-cigarette, but a fine was imposed because it could not be proved to be nicotine-free based on the ingredient list and instructions of the product.
Therefore, we confirm that the party involved has made a pledge to faithfully comply with the law in the future as a public figure.
In the future, Mapo-gu will pay more attention and strive to establish a proper anti-smoking culture through continuous anti-smoking promotion and administrative guidance.
EXO D.O. To Make Comeback With 2nd Mini Album 'Anticipation'
Amid the controversy, D.O. announced his return to the music scene as a solo artist with his second mini-album.
"Anticipation," which will be his first release in two years after his first mini-album "Empathy" dropped in July 2021, will comprise seven songs that are expected to showcase deep lingering feelings.
The album will contain the pre-release song, "I Do," which will be unveiled on September 8. It will be a rhythmical acoustic pop song that will feature D.O.'s unique tone and lovely lyrics.
The title track, "Somebody" will then be released on September 18, simultaneously with the album.
READ MORE: EXO DO To Make Solo Comeback With 2nd Mini-Album — Will It Surpass 'Empathy'?
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