Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Home
Company
Product
Regulation
China
Data
Exhibition
Interview
中文版
Search

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.


References:
[1] Baekhyun of K-pop group EXO apologises for smoking indoors
Also Read:
[1] BLACKPINK's Jennie Apologizes for Smoking E-Cigarette Indoors
#E-cigarettes#Asia#China#Disposable e-cigarettes#Regulation#Public opinion.

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

China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
China Tobacco Regulation Shift：Policy Updates and Market Impact
As JUUL2 Wins FDA Authorization, Harm Reduction Journal Highlights the Role of Real-World Evidence in Nicotine Product Regulation
As JUUL2 Wins FDA Authorization, Harm Reduction Journal Highlights the Role of Real-World Evidence in Nicotine Product Regulation
A commentary published in the international open-access, peer-reviewed Harm Reduction Journal argues that randomized controlled trials remain central to evaluating smoking cessation efficacy but cannot alone capture real-world uptake, complete switching, longer-term use and population impact of non-combustible nicotine products such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches. The authors frame impact as “reach × efficacy” and call for real-world evidence to complement RCTs. Three days after publication, the FDA authorized three JUUL2 products and highlighted complete switching among adult smokers in explaining its decision, providing a timely regulatory backdrop to the debate.
Sep.08
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
VAPORESSO introduced the PRIX MTL pod system in August 2026 in two versions, Filter and NFC. The Filter version allows users to switch between a conventional drip tip and a filter tip, while the NFC version links interchangeable panels to matching on-screen animations. PRIX features a 2,600mAh battery, a 5.5ml pod, a 0.87-inch TFT display and a maximum output of 40W, alongside Dual Mesh Impact Pods capable of operating at two resistance and power configurations. VAPORESSO's French website lists MSRP at $39.99 for the Filter version and $49.90 for the NFC version.
Market
Aug.24 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Zhang Xiaotang Appointed Deputy Director of China’s Tobacco Regulator, Adding Another Finance-Background Official to Top Leadership
Zhang Xiaotang Appointed Deputy Director of China’s Tobacco Regulator, Adding Another Finance-Background Official to Top Leadership
China’s State Council has appointed Zhang Xiaotang as deputy director of the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration, with the regulator’s official website now listing him as a Party leadership group member and deputy director. Zhang previously led Hebei China Tobacco and earlier headed the STMA’s finance and audit department. His appointment follows the elevation earlier this year of former tax official Yao Laiying to head the STMA, adding another senior official with a strong fiscal or financial-management background to China Tobacco’s top leadership in 2026.
News
Sep.20
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, the Democratic ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into flavored vape policy changes and requested records from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Reynolds American and Botanic Tonics. The investigation focuses on a timeline involving Reynolds American’s $5 million donation to MAGA Inc. in April 2026 and subsequent vape policy developments. Wyden said the review aims to examine potential links between political donations, corporate communications and government decisions. The investigation does not represent a finding of wrongdoing.
Innovation
Aug.07 by 2Firsts Perspectives
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
Shanghai Tobacco Group Co., Ltd., a tobacco manufacturing company under China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), has launched a public tender for heated tobacco products (HTPs) production utility equipment at its Shanghai Cigarette Factory. The project is valued at CNY 10.98 million and covers six combined air-conditioning units, electrical cabinets and control systems for production facilities. The procurement includes equipment design, supply, installation, commissioning and related training services.
Aug.07
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
At the 2026 New Approaches Summit in New York, FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Bret Koplow said the PMTA pathway is “predicated on tobacco harm reduction.” He outlined four CTP priorities: youth prevention, helping adults quit or switch to lower-risk products, improving relative-risk communication, and reducing unauthorized products. Koplow also addressed flavored e-cigarettes, public risk perceptions, industry credibility and efforts to make PMTA reviews more efficient and predictable.
Sep.26
Related Topics
HEADLINE News
Related Read
As JUUL2 Wins FDA Authorization, Harm Reduction Journal Highlights the Role of Real-World Evidence in Nicotine Product Regulation
As JUUL2 Wins FDA Authorization, Harm Reduction Journal Highlights the Role of Real-World Evidence in Nicotine Product Regulation
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
Product | VAPORESSO Launches PRIX MTL Pod, With NFC Version Linking Interchangeable Panels to On-Screen Animations
2Firsts Perspectives
Zhang Xiaotang Appointed Deputy Director of China’s Tobacco Regulator, Adding Another Finance-Background Official to Top Leadership
Zhang Xiaotang Appointed Deputy Director of China’s Tobacco Regulator, Adding Another Finance-Background Official to Top Leadership
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
Senate Democrat Wyden Probes Trump Administration Vape Policy Shift, Seeks Records From HHS and Reynolds American
2Firsts Perspectives
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
China’s Shanghai Tobacco Group Launches CNY 10.98 Million (Approximately US$1.53 Million) Procurement for Heated Tobacco Production Utility Equipment
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
NAS 2026 | FDA CTP Director Says PMTA Pathway Is “Predicated on Tobacco Harm Reduction”
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Contact: info@2firsts.com
Stay up to date.
Submit your email to receive weekly newsletter on the most relevant news of the e-cigarette industry.
© 2026 2FIRSTS. All Right Reserved.
2FIRSTS is only accessible to industry practitioners, researchers, media and other professionals. Access by minors is prohibited.
This website provides services to users outside the Chinese mainland.
English
English
中文