K-Pop Idol’s Anti-Smoking Advice Backfires as Fans Reveal Group’s Past Habits

A recent fan interaction with INFINITE’s Sungyeol sparked online buzz after he urged a fan to quit smoking—only for fans to jokingly call out his own group’s history with cigarettes. Meanwhile, other idols like BTS’s Jungkook and ENHYPEN’s Jungwon are making headlines for smoking-related controversies, reigniting debates about privacy and personal choices in the K-pop industry.

Sungyeol’s Smoking Advice

During a fan sign event, INFINITE’s Sungyeol recognized a fan who had been smoking during the group’s tour and encouraged her to quit. The fan shared the exchange online, where Sungyeol said, “You can do it, quit quickly,” despite her initial doubts. The story went viral, but fans quickly turned the spotlight on Sungyeol and his members, joking about their past smoking habits.

Netizens pointed out that Sungyeol himself was once a heavy smoker. One fan commented, “Yeol oppa used to be a heavy smoker, too. He should share his experience on how to quit” . Others playfully urged him to “convince the others to quit smoking, too,” referencing rumors that other INFINITE members still smoke . The incident highlights how idols’ past actions can resurface when they advocate for lifestyle changes.

Fan’s Embarrassing Vape Moment

In a similar viral moment, a BOYNEXTDOOR fan accidentally exposed her vaping habit during a video call with member Leehan. The fan, caught mid-puff, tried to play it cool, but Leehan burst out laughing. She later posted the clip with the caption, “I really want to end myself… Leehan, I feel so embarrassed” . The video amassed over a million views, with fans praising Leehan’s amused reaction.

Jungkook’s Cigarette Magic Trick

BTS’s Jungkook recently trended after a video showed him performing a magic trick with a cigarette during his military service. Though his face wasn’t visible, fans identified him through his tattoos and apron. The clip revived discussions about his 2023 smoking controversy, when he was photographed smoking in Los Angeles.

Fans defended his choices, with one tweeting, “He’s an adult… it’s one of the most normal things a human might do!” . Others humorously dubbed this phase his “idgaf era,” celebrating his carefree attitude . The video also sparked debates about whether he was actually smoking or just using the cigarette for the trick.

Jungwon’s Dual Controversies

ENHYPEN’s Jungwon faced backlash after photos surfaced of him allegedly smoking alongside dating rumors with aespa’s Winter. Fans argued the 20-year-old idol is legally allowed to smoke, with one stating, “He can do whatever he wants—it’s his personal life” . Others questioned the photos’ authenticity, calling them “bad editing” . BELIFT LAB and SM Entertainment denied the dating claims but stayed silent on the smoking allegations.

Smoking in K-Pop: Common or Taboo?

Smoking remains a sensitive topic in K-pop, where idols are often expected to maintain a wholesome image. Past controversies involve EXO’s Sehun and Tao, SHINee’s Taemin, and BigBang’s G-Dragon and T.O.P., all of whom faced criticism after being spotted smoking . While some agencies enforce strict no-smoking policies, others take a hands-off approach if idols are adults.

Taemin, for instance, openly smoked in 2014 and later vaped with BTS’s Jimin, drawing mixed reactions . Meanwhile, former JYJ member Yoochun faced severe backlash for smoking during military service, given his asthma diagnosis . These incidents show how public perception varies: fans may forgive older idols but scrutinize younger stars like Jungwon.

Release Updates: INFINITE is currently promoting their 15th-anniversary album, while BTS’s Jungkook is expected to complete military service by June 2025.

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Sources: Koreaboo

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