EXO Baekhyun's Smoking Controversy in Macau Restaurant Apology

Sep.18.2024
EXO Baekhyun's Smoking Controversy in Macau Restaurant Apology
EXO's Baekhyun sparks controversy for smoking in a Macao restaurant, leading to a public apology from his agency.

According to a report by CNA Lifestyle on September 18th, Baekhyun, a member of the famous South Korean boy group EXO, sparked controversy after being photographed smoking in a restaurant in Macau, China.

EXO Baekhyun's Smoking Controversy in Macau Restaurant Apology
The video of Byun Baekhyun smoking an e-cigarette inside a restaurant in Macau was exposed on X. | Image source: X.


On September 16th, a video was exposed on X showing EXO's Baekhyun smoking an e-cigarette inside a restaurant in Macau, China. In the video, Baekhyun was seen smoking in a corner while chatting with several individuals who appeared to be staff members.

EXO Baekhyun's Smoking Controversy in Macau Restaurant Apology
SM Entertainment, the agency representing Byun Baekhyun, released an apology statement. Image source: X


According to the laws of Macau, individuals are not allowed to bring e-cigarettes into the territory and smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas except for designated smoking rooms.


On September 16th, the management company INB100, representing Byun Baekhyun, issued a public apology statement through its social media. The company explained that the video was filmed after his concert in Macau in June this year, and that neither he nor the staff were aware of the prohibition of e-cigarettes in Macau, China.


The statement reads as follows:


Hello, I am INB100.


We apologize to everyone who felt uncomfortable about the recent controversy involving our artist, Baekhyun, smoking indoors.


At the time, Baekhyun and our staff were completely unaware that smoking e-cigarettes was prohibited in Macau. After Baekhyun and the staff finished their performance in Macau, they went out for dinner. As the conversation unfolded, Baekhyun unintentionally smoked an e-cigarette.


Due to his careless actions, Baekhyun deeply apologizes for disappointing many fans.


Baekhyun and our company will be more vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not happen again, and pledge not to disappoint fans in the future. We will also strive to behave in a more mature manner.


We once again express our sincere apologies for any concerns and discomfort we may have caused you.


We are truly sorry.


A few months ago, Blackpink member Jennie faced criticism after being photographed using an e-cigarette indoors.


According to reports, Byun Baekhyun debuted as a member of the South Korean boy group EXO in 2012 and has been very popular since his debut. EXO is divided into two sub-units, EXO-K and EXO-M, which promote in South Korea and China respectively. Wu Yifan (Kris), Lu Han, and Huang Zitao (Tao) were former members of EXO-M but left the group later due to personal reasons.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Malaysia Liquid Nicotine Returns to Poisons List, Leaving Vape Retail and RM354 Million Tax Collection in Legal Uncertainty
Malaysia Liquid Nicotine Returns to Poisons List, Leaving Vape Retail and RM354 Million Tax Collection in Legal Uncertainty
Malaysia’s withdrawal of its appeal in a landmark liquid-nicotine case has left a High Court ruling that struck down the 2023 nicotine exemption in force, bringing liquid and gel nicotine used in vaping products back under the Poisons Act 1952. At the same time, the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 continues to provide a regulatory framework for vaping products, creating uncertainty over retail sales, taxation and existing inventory. MPs are calling for nicotine vape sales and excise collection to stop, including refunds of more than RM354 million collected since 2023, while industry and consumer groups are asking the government to clarify the current legal position.
Sep.04
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Kelly White Bets on Female Consumers as Nicotine Pouch Competition Intensifies | 2Firsts Interview
Swedish nicotine pouch brand Kelly White is building its strategy around adult female consumers. Founder and CEO Sophia Wilsby told 2Firsts that women accounted for around 70% of the brand’s repeat customers on HAYPP in Sweden in 2025. The interview explores female consumer segmentation, product and design differentiation, gender stereotypes, packaging regulation, and how independent brands can compete with global players such as ZYN and VELO while considering funding, partnerships and future ownership options.
Business
Sep.24
Product | PIXL Adds 6ml PIXL 5K in UK Alongside 12ml PIXL 8000 as Vape Duty Takes Effect
Product | PIXL Adds 6ml PIXL 5K in UK Alongside 12ml PIXL 8000 as Vape Duty Takes Effect
Vaping brand PIXL has introduced the PIXL 5K reusable prefilled pod device in the UK, featuring a 2ml prefilled pod and a 4ml refill container with a combined e-liquid capacity of 6ml. The device uses 20mg/ml nicotine salt e-liquid and is advertised to deliver up to approximately 5,000 puffs. Available through UK retailers by August 2026, the PIXL 5K sits alongside the existing 12ml PIXL 8000. The UK's Vaping Products Duty took effect on October 1 at £0.22 per millilitre, producing theoretical duty amounts of £1.32 and £2.64 for the two products' respective full refill sets.
product
Oct.10
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
PMI Pushes Smoke-Free Business in Latin America as Argentina Lifts Heated Tobacco Ban, Mexico City Share Tops 7%
Philip Morris International (PMI) showcased IQOS heated tobacco systems and nicotine pouch products at Technovation 2026 in Buenos Aires on October 7–8, presenting research on consumer attitudes, regulatory developments and illicit cigarette trade across Latin America. PMI Chief Global Growth Officer Stefano Volpetti said smoke-free products accounted for more than 7% of the Mexico City market. Argentina repealed its heated tobacco ban in May 2026 and introduced registration requirements for tobacco and nicotine products, while local media reported nicotine pouch sales in Mendoza. A PMI-commissioned survey found that only 8% of respondents across four Latin American countries were familiar with nicotine pouches. A separate KPMG study estimated illicit cigarette consumption at 77 billion sticks across 11 markets in Latin America and Canada in 2025.
PMI
Oct.13
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Elf Bar Vape Explosion and Amputation Claim Spurs Coverage Suit, U.S. Insurer MUSIC Seeks Ruling It Owes No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Distributor i5
Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company has asked a federal court in Washington to declare that it has no duty to defend or indemnify vape distributor i5 Distribution in a product liability case involving an Elf Bar BC5000. The plaintiff alleges that the disposable vape caught fire and exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns and ultimately requiring an above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. MUSIC is relying on a tobacco, nicotine or nicotine replacement products exclusion and a premises limitation endorsement. The court has not ruled on the coverage dispute.
News
Sep.10
U.S. Military Could Test Nicotine Pouches and Vapes for Smoking Cessation as Washington Examiner Cites ZYN and Potential $4 Billion Reduction in Related Defense Costs
U.S. Military Could Test Nicotine Pouches and Vapes for Smoking Cessation as Washington Examiner Cites ZYN and Potential $4 Billion Reduction in Related Defense Costs
The House-passed FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision authorizing the defense secretary to conduct a one-year smoking-cessation pilot for active-duty service members. Section 707 lists counseling, nicotine gum and patches alongside what the bill calls "electric nicotine delivery systems," nicotine pouches and heat-not-burn products. A recent Washington Examiner op-ed cited ZYN as an example in arguing for the provision, but the legislation does not name any commercial brand or supplier. ZYN is made by PMI-owned Swedish Match USA, with specified products holding FDA marketing authorizations and modified risk orders.
Sep.20