JENNIE of BLACKPINK Explains Why She Apologized for Vaping Indoors

JENNIE doesn’t shut down when it comes to taking accountability. After a video of her vaping indoors sparked backlash this summer, the BLACKPINK star issued an apology almost immediately — and in her new Harper’s Bazaar cover story interview published Thursday (Sept. 19), she explains why.

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“What can I do? If Korean people think it’s wrong, I’ve got to make up for it,” she told the publication. “It’s like, I get why you guys are upset. It’s cultural, it’s history. It’s time. And I can’t go against time.”

The incident in question happened back in July, when the 28-year-old performer posted a vlog featuring a snippet of her vaping while getting her hair and makeup done. After viewers pointed it out, the clip was edited out of the video and her reps issued a statement : “We sincerely apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable with JENNIE’s actions … JENNIE acknowledges and deeply regrets her mistake of vaping indoors and causing inconvenience to the staff.”

The statement also assured people that JENNIE had apologized to anyone on site “who may have been affected” and acknowledged all of the “fans who have been disappointed through this incident.” And while some people may scratch their heads over the uproar caused by such a minor trespass, the The Idol alum doubled down on her decision to say she was sorry.

“I don’t want to lose their trust,” she said of her fanbase. “It is so important for me to have my culture, and everyone around the world, love me.”

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The cover story comes as JENNIE is getting ready to step into a new solo era (much like her BLACKPINK bandmate LISA ). At the time of the interview, the “You & Me” singer had just spent two straight weeks in the studio working on her debut solo album, and she’s expected to drop a new single in October after signing a new deal with Columbia Records.

Of working on her solo career, JENNIE told the publication that she’s “bringing [herself] to the world for the first time.” “BLACKPINK JENNIE will always be a part of me, but you will also get to experience this new side,” she added.

See JENNIE’s Harper’s Bazaar cover below.

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