A storm is brewing in the K-Pop world after a video surfaced showing 17-year-old trainee Kim Jeongmin smoking in public. The footage, which quickly went viral, raised eyebrows and sparked fierce debate among fans and onlookers.

Kim, who trains under Hi-Hat Entertainment, was seen casually walking down the street with what looked like an e-cigarette. This shocking incident caught fans off guard, particularly given his youth and burgeoning fame.

Born in 2007, Kim is still a high school student and hasn't officially debuted yet. He gained popularity through well-known audition shows like LOUD on SBS in 2021 and PROJECT 7 in 2024. His rising star status made the incident all the more troubling for his supporters.

Following the viral uproar, fans voiced their disappointment, questioning how a trainee of his age could even access such items. Speculation arose about the possibility of Kim misrepresenting his age, further igniting the controversy.

In the face of growing criticism, Hi-Hat Entertainment issued a public apology on their social media. They expressed their regret for the incident, acknowledging their responsibility in not preventing such situations.

The agency stated, "We sincerely apologize to all fans who supported Kim Jeongmin and are concerned about this recent controversy. Our management practices fell short, and we are reassessing Kim’s position within the company to avoid future issues."

As of now, the agency has not confirmed any decisions regarding Kim Jeongmin's future with them, leaving fans on edge about what might come next in this unfolding drama.

With the K-Pop industry under constant scrutiny, this incident raises critical questions about the pressures young idols face and the responsibility of the agencies managing their careers.