Lee Chae Young, a member of the popular K-pop girl group fromis_9, is set to directly address her past e-cigarette controversy on an upcoming variety show appearance.
The unexpected revelation has quickly caught the attention of fans and netizens alike, marking a rare moment where an active female idol openly revisits a highly scrutinized past personal rumor.
The candid discussion offers a direct look into the group’s internal dynamics and the reality of handling viral internet controversies within the strict standards of the entertainment industry.
The Teaser Revelation and Unexpected Industry Backstory
The discussion came to light through a preview for the YouTube variety show The Truman Show on the channel ‘Ip-man-yeol-myeon.’
Hosted by entertainer Lee Yong Jin, the episode featured fromis_9 members Lee Chae Young and Lee Na Gyung ahead of their scheduled summer comeback.
During a playful segment, Lee Yong Jin asked Na Gyung if there were ever times she secretly wished Chae Young wouldn’t come over to her house.
Na Gyung admitted that the two had previously engaged in a highly immature argument over a trivial matter.
She noted that Chae Young had hilariously screamed and begged her not to share the story out of pure embarrassment.
Amidst the laughter generated by the anecdote, Chae Young unexpectedly shifted the conversation by bringing up her past viral rumor.
She revealed that after the photo showing what appeared to be an e-cigarette was caught in the frame and uploaded, she actually received an immense number of calls from that specific e-cigarette company.
The candid admission caught the show’s cast by surprise, turning what was once a highly sensitive subject into an open, lighthearted reflection on the bizarre commercial aftereffects of a viral internet scandal.
Looking Back at the 2023 Debate and fromis_9’s Future Plans
The original incident dates back to 2023, when Chae Young became swept up in a sudden wave of public scrutiny.
Netizens spotted what appeared to be an electronic smoking device in the background of a social media photo she had uploaded.
Recognizing the potential backlash, she rapidly deleted the post shortly after it went live.
At the time of the initial incident, her agency chose not to issue an official public statement.
The lack of clarification sparked a deeply divided online debate.
One side of the argument maintained that as a consenting adult, her private habits should not be policed.
Conversely, critics argued that as an active member of a prominent girl group, she should have exercised greater caution regarding her public image.
By directly speaking about the incident after three years, Chae Young has effectively disarmed the lingering stigma surrounding the rumor.
The preview has dropped just as fromis_9 prepares to make their grand return to the domestic music scene.
The group is gearing up to release their highly anticipated second studio album, Glow ME, on July 21.
With promotional teasers and the official tracklist already generating significant buzz among their dedicated fanbase, Chae Young’s honest, transparent approach on The Truman Show highlights her growing maturity and resilience as an artist maneuvering the modern K-pop landscape.
