NCT member Jeno's e-cigarette controversy drew viral, intense attention on global K-snapp from March 20 to 25.
According to recent online community posts, Jeno shared with fans via the private messaging platform Bubble a selfie in which he is holding an e-cigarette in one hand.
Because the photo appeared to be taken indoors, allegations of indoor smoking erupted. The image has since been deleted. Reactions were sharply divided, with some saying, "Did he not think while taking the photo?" and "At this point, isn't he asking to be noticed?" while others argued, "He's just holding it—what's the problem?" and "He's a grown adult; people nitpick everything."
Back in November 2024, fellow NCT member Haechan faced backlash over similar indoor smoking allegations. In a video uploaded to the official NCT 127 channel at the time, he was repeatedly seen bringing what looked like an e-cigarette to his lips and then lowering it.
As the controversy escalated, the agency acknowledged Haechan's indoor smoking in an official statement and apologized. They added, "We plan to pay the administrative fine imposed by the local public health center regarding this matter."