On July 8, Jennie trended online among internet users due to a viral clip that spread on social media. The posts showed Jennie doing her makeup and hair.

However, netizens noticed that smoke was coming from Jennie's mouth, which led to accusations of "indoor smoking." The controversy immediately sparked divided reactions between critics who called out Jennie and BLINKs, who defended the idol.

Following the controversy, Jennie's independent label ODD ATELIER released a brief statement addressing the matter on July 9. According to a representative from the company, the issue is now being investigated by ODD ATELIER.

"Jennie is currently staying in the United States," an official shared. "We are in the process of confirming the facts regarding the controversy."

On the same day (July 9), Korean news outlet My Daily disclosed that Jennie had been reported to the Korean embassy in Italy for allegedly smoking indoors. Sources state that a netizen has requested an investigation into the case.

"I have requested an investigation through the national newspaper to the Korean embassy in Italy," it shared. "I strongly urge a thorough investigation on the issue and implement strict punishment for Jennie's indoor smoking incident."

It was also revealed that a screenshot of the complaint was posted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, sources also stated that indoor-smoking has been banned in Italy since January 2005.

If caught smoking in indoor places, the individual would have to pay a penalty fine of €250 euros, which is equivalent to ₩370,000 Korean won or $267.44 USD. However, the individual would have to pay a double fine if caught smoking in front of pregnant women or children.

Here's how K-netz and I-netz reacted to the update:

• "The way she made no feedback really shows her conceit."
• "It's true that it was problematic but reporting this to the embassy was over the top."
• "What 'over the top'? She shouldn't have smoked indoors in the first place."
• "Yesterday, netizens were saying how they didn't care overseas and I just thought 'I see' but turns out, it was illegal too."
• "We need people who report illegal acts like these for crimes to go down though."
• "I'm a blink and I love Jennie but that's so inconsiderate to do inside a closed space because she's bothering other ppl who don't want to smoke or don't smoke at all."
• "Deserved, I don't care who you are. Stop smoking in places where it's illegal. No one wants to smell your second-hand smoke."
• "I mean I get her smoking indoors was an ick but reporting her to the embassy is crazy."
• "LOL, she's stupid. She could've at least done it by a window."
• "Some of her fans act like this is such a massive attack by haters, but it's a small fine and as petty as a report may be, it is a legitimate law lol."

What are your thoughts on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by Israel Monte