EXO Baekhyun’s agency issues formal apology following indoor smoking incident
EXO's Baekhyun's agency, INB100, issued a formal apology following the K-pop idol's indoor smoking controversy in Macau.
This came after a video made rounds online on Sept. 16, showing Baekhyun vaping inside a restaurant.
According to the Korean entertainment website Soompi, the video showed the 32-year-old singer-turned-actor "having a conversation while smoking along with some people who are presumed to be staff members."
In response, INB100 sincerely apologized to everyone who experienced discomfort due to the recent incident involving their artist.
"We sincerely apologize to everyone who experienced discomfort due to the recent indoor smoking controversy involving our artist Baekhyun," the agency said.
"At the time, Baekhyun and our staff were completely unaware that electronic cigarettes were prohibited in Macau. During a meal with the staff after performing in Macau, Baekhyun unconsciously used an electronic cigarette as the conversation deepened."
The agency went on to state that Baekhyun also feels "deeply sorry for disappointing many fans due to his careless actions."
They also ensured that they will be more vigilant and careful in the future to avoid such incidents.
"Both Baekhyun and our company will be more vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not occur again, and we promise not to disappoint our fans in the future. We will also strive to act more maturely," they said.
"Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern and discomfort. We are truly sorry," the agency concluded.
Using e-cigarettes in Macau
According to a notice by the Macau Government Tourism Office, the special administrative region of the People's Republic of China has banned the importation of vaping products or e-cigarettes.
It was passed last August 2022 and is effective on Dec. 5.
As per the notice, individuals are "barred from either bringing this type of product into Macao or from taking it out of the city."
Violators are subjected to a fine of MOP 4,000 or almost P28,000.
Meanwhile, Macau's Regime for Prevention and Control of Tobacco Use, amended by Law No. 9/2017 defines "smoking" to include the use of e-cigarettes.
Smoking is prohibited in "public transport, most indoor workplaces, and most public places, with exceptions for smoking lounges in airport facilities, hotel guest rooms, and designated smoking rooms in casinos."
Just like here in the Philippines, health warnings stating that the product contains any specified dangerous chemicals must be included on packaging and ads. Thus, smoking an electronic cigarette or vaping must take place in designated places, just like with traditional cigarettes.
Baekhyun is part of the K-pop boy group EXO as well as its subgroup EXO-K alongside Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol, D.O, Kai, and Sehun and its subunit EXO-CBX with Xiumin and Chen.
Recently, he released his 4th mini album, Hello, World.