On January 17, a short clip was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption “Let’s celebrate Jennie’s birthday in Japan.” The video shows Jennie dancing to music in what appears to be a club, dressed in a bold and revealing outfit which quickly attracted attention online.
In the background, several women wearing black stockings and garter belts can be seen popping bottles of champagne as they perform for the audience. These women are commonly called “champagne girls”, a term used for staff at clubs or entertainment venues who put on flashy shows when customers order sets of expensive champagne.
The video 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 clothes are overly revealing,” a comment read.
“I don’t understand a culture where half-naked women cheer as part of the service” wrote another.
Others questioned his choices, saying: “Does he really have to celebrate his birthday like this?” AND “His recent actions are becoming disappointing.”
In addition to cultural criticism, safety concerns have also been raised. Netizens pointed out that the video shows sparkling fireworks attached to champagne bottles shooting sparks towards the ceiling. This reminded some spectators of a recent tragedy in Switzerland, where sparks from a similar champagne firework ignited a fire in a club during a celebration, leaving more than 40 dead and more than 100 injured.
However, not all reactions have been negative. Many fans rushed to Jennie’s defense, claiming that the controversy had been blown out of proportion.
“It’s simply a matter of personal taste” supporters commented, pointing out that Jennie was celebrating her birthday privately 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)
