Singer HyunA found herself in controversy after sharing photos of her trip to Paris, France, with her husband Yong Jun-hyung. The problem arose from a photo capturing Yong Jun-hyung smoking on the streets of Paris.
HyunA shared pictures from their trip on social media on the 24th, conveying a joyful atmosphere.
However, in the photos, Yong Jun-hyung was smoking in a public street rather than on a café or restaurant terrace, and this scene drew criticism from online users.
The French government implemented a ban on smoking within 10 meters of bus stops, parks, beaches during swimming season, libraries, swimming pools, and schools starting from the 29th of last month. Violators may face fines of 135 euros (about 210,000 won).
The new regulation aims to protect minors from secondhand smoke. Catherine Botran, Minister of Labor and Health, emphasized, "Tobacco should disappear where children are. The freedom to smoke ends where children's right to breathe clean air begins."
Internet users immediately expressed criticism. Responses included, "Is it really something to brag about to post smoking?", "Was there really a need to post this photo?", "Even if it's not in our country, I don't understand doing it in public places," and "International humiliation." In contrast, some internet users expressed opposing views, saying, "He might not have known," and "I don't know if he took it for show, but let's not go too hard on him."
It remains unconfirmed whether Yong Jun-hyung will actually face fines due to this incident, but the photo of him smoking, taken without knowledge of local regulations, has spread through SNS and caused controversy both domestically and internationally.
[Photo] 'SNS'
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