Jessica, formerly of the group Girls' Generation, directly addressed the so-called "dry heaving" controversy that arose during her entry at a Chinese airport. After footage of her covering the area around her nose and mouth while passing through fans spread online, Jessica said it was a misunderstanding, noting, "It wasn't because of a smell."
According to the entertainment industry on the 14th, a video recently spread on online communities and social media (SNS) showing Jessica entering Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in China. In the video, Jessica, surrounded by fans as she moved, looked to her left and then covered the area around her nose and mouth with her hand. In some cuts, she was also seen seeming to grimace or dry heave.
Debate continued online over the incident. Some users speculated, "Wasn't it a reaction to a smell at the scene?" while others said, "It's hard to judge based on parts of the video only" and "A momentary expression seems to have been overinterpreted."
As the controversy grew, Jessica explained the situation on a social media (SNS) live broadcast on the 13th. Jessica said, "It absolutely wasn't that there was a smell or anything like that," adding, "There seems to be a misunderstanding." She continued, "I think my expression was excessive. I failed to manage my expression."
Jessica explained that she had reacted with surprise after hearing the age of a fan who had come to see her. Jessica said, "A fan said the day before was their birthday, so I asked how old they were, and they said 21," adding, "I was surprised because they were so young. I thought, 'Someone this young—how did they know me and come here?'"
Even after Jessica's explanation, online reactions remained divided. Some said, "Since the person directly explained, there's no need for further speculation," but others pointed out, "At places like airports where fans crowd in, she should have been more careful to avoid actions that could cause misunderstandings." There were also reactions that the controversy grew larger than the actual situation as a short video spread quickly.
Jessica debuted in 2007 with Girls' Generation and was active with songs such as "Into the New World" and "Genie." After leaving the team in 2014, she has worked as a solo singer and fashion entrepreneur, and has appeared on Chinese broadcasts and performance stages. Recently, she drew attention by appearing with her younger sister, singer-actor Krystal, on the Coupang Play variety show "SNL Korea Season 8."