EXO Member D.O. Fined for Smoking in Non-smoking Area

According to Korean online media outlet Nate, Do Kyungsoo, a member of the Korean boy band EXO, was fined for using an e-cigarette in a designated non-smoking area. In accordance with Korean law, smoking indoors in prohibited smoking areas can result in a fine of up to 100,000 South Korean won.

On September 5th, several social media platforms in South Korea were flooded with posts alleging that EXO member Do Kyungsoo was seen using an e-cigarette indoors. Accompanying these claims were pictures of him inhaling and exhaling smoke. This has sparked speculation among the public regarding his indoor smoking habits.

The health department of Mapo District in Seoul, South Korea, has responded to claims made by the representative of Do Kyungsoo that they used a nicotine-free e-cigarette. In South Korea, nicotine-free e-cigarettes are classified as "tobacco-like products" and are not subject to indoor smoking fines; however, concrete evidence must be provided to substantiate this claim.

However, it could not be proven by Yanlingxiu whether the e-cigarette she used was nicotine-free, and as a result, she was fined for smoking. The health authorities stated that as a public figure, she has promised to faithfully comply with the law in the future.

According to Article 9, Section 4, Clause 16 of South Korea's National Health Promotion Act, all facilities within office buildings, factories, and multi-purpose buildings with a total area exceeding 1000 square meters are designated as non-smoking areas. However, smoking is prohibited within these non-smoking areas for both tobacco products containing nicotine and e-cigarettes.