Ock Joo Hyun, a well-known musical theater actress, has sparked controversy after sharing a video on social media that features her using a vitamin stick. Fans have expressed concerns about the implications of her actions on the younger generation.
The video was uploaded on November 5 and features her saying, “Using vitamin sticks is really hard, the reality is tough. I will continue to practice diligently so as not to disappoint those who have supported me. Always in a state of anxiety, singing ‘Mata Hari’ of ours,” while also using the hashtag “#vitaminstick,” implying that she is using a vitamin stick instead of actual cigarettes.
Vitamin sticks are produced by heating up a liquid substance, similar to vaping, but they typically do not contain nicotine or tar. In 2017, the South Korean government classified the use of vitamin sticks as potentially harmful to adolescents, considering their appearance and usage methods.
As a mature adult, Ock Joo Hyun could potentially use vitamin sticks, but the controversy arose because the actress publicly shared the video on social media. “The shape of the vitamin stick can easily be mistaken for a cigarette, so those who only see the video of her might negatively influence viewers of age,†wrote Korea Times.
This incident is reminiscent of another controversy involving actor Ji Chang Wook. He faced backlash from fans after sharing a video related to smoking. Recently, fans on the DC Inside platform issued a statement, urging the public to be cautious regarding the influence of celebrities and to apologize to the actor, preventing similar controversies in the future.
While some individuals commend Ock Joo Hyun for her sincerity, there remains a divide regarding the appropriateness of sharing such content on public platforms.
“Seeing her being so careful even in a short scene makes me wish for musical performances to be even better,” one viewer commented, expressing their appreciation for her dedication. “It’s truly disappointing to see her so dedicated to the craft,” another added.
However, some commenters have raised concerns: “Even if she’s just practicing, this is still not right. It looks like a real drug and is harmful. Posting this on social media may not be appropriate,” they expressed.
Ock is known for her anti-smoking stance to protect her vocal health. Comedian Kang Ho Dong, who worked with her during her time in the Fin.KL group, has insisted that she “absolutely avoids smoking” when they were in the same car.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea issued guidelines last year, urging media outlets to refrain from airing and promoting any forms of smoking, especially when involving celebrities, to prevent potential harmful influences on public behavior related to smoking.
