Baekhyun of EXO | Image: Instagram/@baekhyunee_exo
Baekhyun of K-pop boy group EXO extended his apologies through his agency after a video of him vaping inside a restaurant went viral on the internet.
Baekhyun’s agency, INB100, issued a formal apology on their X account (formerly Twitter) to address the video of the K-pop star vaping inside a restaurant in Macau.
“We sincerely apologize to everyone who experienced discomfort due to the recent indoor smoking controversy involving our artist Baekhyun,” began their statement.
The agency underscored that Baekhyun was “unaware” that electronic cigarettes weren’t allowed in the said country and that he deeply regrets his actions afterwards.
“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,” they explained.
“Baekhyun feels deeply sorry for disappointing many fans due to his careless actions. 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,” added the agency.
It was stated in a notice posted on Macau’s tourism website in January that bringing or taking out an e-cigarette within the country was prohibited. Violators would be fined MOP4,000 or almost P28,000.
Baekhyun debuted as a member of the boy band EXO in 2012 and began his solo career in 2019 with the first EP, “City Lights.”
In January, the K-pop singer launched his own agency, INB100, and signed his fellow bandmates Chen and Xiumin to the company, after a legal dispute with their former agency, SM Entertainment.
The three members filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment’s executives in June over unfair profit distribution, as they cited that it was “unfair” that the company was demanding 10 percent of their revenue from individual activities.
In April, Baekhyun staged his first ever solo concert in Manila.
Meanwhile, another K-pop star, Jennie Kim of Blackpink, also recently apologized for vaping indoors with her staff around her.