Taeyong trended in online communities due to a viral video of him smoking in public. The sudden news initiated a discussion among K-netz.

Here's what happened.

K-Netz Criticize NCT Taeyong for Public Smoking in Japan, Conclude Idol's Actions Are Illegal

On December 7, a forum titled "Taeyong smoking on the streets is making buzz in Japan" was flocked by Korean netizens and NCTzens.

In the post, the author uploaded several screenshots from Twitter, accompanied by the sightings of Taeyong smoking in Japan's public streets earlier in September.

The tweet included a 15-second video showing him in action. It also contained one of Taeyong's Instagram pictures showing him in his blue tracksuit and black cap, matching the person in the video and confirming his identity.

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Moreover, it comprised a caption regarding illegal public smoking in Japan and that his actions have gone viral in the country.

"He's wearing the same clothes in the picture and has the same haircut. There's even an article about it."

"In Japan, it's illegal to smoke on the streets, and celebrities are especially cancelled if they do it. The celebrities who did got tremendous hate over it."

"Taeyong is smoking in the streets of Japan in September 2023. In the video, he's dusting the ashes. It's illegal to smoke in the streets in Japan so Seunghanie got kicked out."

"Taeyong was the only one getting off the radar and not receiving any hate, even for 'Made in Abyss,' Taeyong was the only one who didn't get hate."

"The 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation idols who are getting hate for nothing are the pitiful ones."

Netizens were stunned by the revelation and enumerated each of Taeyong's previous controversies. Here's how they reacted:

•  "Second-hand seller fraud, s*xual jokes, women hate, judging others' bodies, new issue of possession of 'Made in Abyss' manga, and now, illegal smoking in the streets."
•  "If a female idol was smoking in the streets of Japan, it would've been everywhere in the HOT category of TheQoo."
• Translation: "The fraudulent seller' SM Rookies Taeyong, this time, caught in a controversy for mocking a girl's looks.'"

•  "How many scandals does this guy have?"

Meanwhile, the discussion also contained reactions from international fans. They also agreed with the comments, saying that Taeyong should abide by the laws of the country he's in.

•  "That's embarrassing, follow the rules in the country you are in."
•  "Respecting the law and customs of the country you visit is the bare minimum."
•  "I don't care if people ruin their own lungs by smoking, but come on, if it's illegal to do it publicly, it's to protect other people from second-hand smoking."
•  "Find a f**king place to smoke, I'm sure they have smoke areas."

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by Riely Miller