Baekhyun’s agency has responded to the controversy surrounding his indoor smoking incident, which recently sparked discussion online.
Baekhyun Addresses Indoor Smoking Incident
On September 16, a video surfaced showing Baekhyun vaping inside a restaurant in Macau. The clip, which gained traction, shows Baekhyun in conversation with others—presumed to be staff members—while vaping in a corner of the restaurant.
In light of the incident, Baekhyun’s agency, INB100, issued a statement addressing both the video and the rumors that followed.
“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 statement read.
“Baekhyun feels deeply sorry for disappointing many fans due to his careless actions,” it added. “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.”
The agency had previously stated that they would take strong legal action against those spreading malicious rumors and misinformation about the EXO member. INB100 emphasized their commitment to protecting Baekhyun’s reputation and well-being, asserting that they will not tolerate defamatory online posts or comments. They vowed to take firm measures against anyone responsible for spreading false information.
This announcement comes at a pivotal moment in Baekhyun’s career, as he continues to enjoy immense success with his latest solo release ‘Hello, World’. Released on September 6, the mini album set a new personal record for the artist, selling an impressive 893,214 copies on its first day, surpassing his previous record of 868,840 copies for his 2021 album ‘Bambi’—all within just 24 hours. The title track, “Pineapple Slice,” similarly performed well, reaching No. 1 on iTunes Top Songs charts in 24 regions, including Argentina, Thailand, and Fiji.