On January 17, a short clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Celebrating Jennie’s birthday in Japan.” The video shows Jennie dancing to music at what appears to be a club venue, dressed in a bold and revealing outfit that quickly drew attention online.
In the background, several women wearing black stockings and garter belts can be seen popping champagne bottles while performing for the crowd. These women are commonly referred to as “champagne girls,” a term used for staff at clubs or entertainment venues who provide flashy performances when customers order high-priced champagne sets.
The footage immediately divided public opinion. Some netizens expressed discomfort with what they described as a club culture that objectifies women, criticizing Jennie for seemingly enjoying such an environment despite her influence as a global idol.
“The outfits are excessively revealing,” one comment read.
“I don’t understand a culture where half-naked women cheer as part of the service,” another wrote.
Others questioned her choices, saying, “Does she really have to celebrate her birthday like this?” and “Her recent actions are becoming disappointing.”
Beyond cultural criticism, safety concerns were also raised. Netizens pointed out that the video shows sparkling fireworks attached to champagne bottles shooting sparks toward the ceiling. This reminded some viewers of a recent tragedy in Switzerland, where sparks from a similar champagne firework ignited a fire at a club during a celebration, resulting in over 40 deaths and more than 100 injuries.
However, not all reactions were negative. Many fans rushed to Jennie’s defense, arguing that the controversy was being blown out of proportion.
“It’s simply a matter of personal taste,” supporters commented, emphasizing that Jennie was celebrating her private birthday and should be free to do so in her own way.
As the video continues to circulate online, the discussion highlights ongoing tensions between personal freedom, celebrity responsibility, and public expectations placed on K-pop idols.
Sources: MoneyToday,X (formerly Twitter)