On February 16, Jang Yoon Jung uploaded a video to social media with a short caption “HBD.” In the clip, she is seen holding a jar-shaped cake while people around her place sunglasses and a crown on her head, creating a playful atmosphere on the birthday.
In particular, he participated in the recently trending performance in which a candle is placed in the mouth, lit and then reinserted into the cake before blowing it out – an act that some say resembles smoking. After blowing out the flame, Jang Yoon Jung raised his sunglasses slightly and struck a charismatic pose, adding a humorous touch to the moment.
The performance first gained widespread attention after Jennie showed it on her birthday. However, given Jennie’s past controversy over smoking indoors, some netizens supported him lighting a candle in your mouth could evoke images associated with smoking and therefore be considered inappropriate.
Even when Lee Min Junglater shared a similar video, it drew mixed reactions. Critics commented on it scenes resembling smoking could be misleading, especially on social media platforms where children may be watching.
Meanwhile, Jang Yoon Jung recently appeared on TV Chosun’s Heo Young Man’s food journeywhere he shared a personal story about his birthday. He revealed, “I was born on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the year I was born. My birthday falls on the day of the Lunar New Year.”
He reflected candidly on his childhood, saying: “During the Lunar New Year we prepare the memorial table of the ancestors, but it was also my birthday. My father is the eldest son and I am the eldest daughter. Having a daughter as the firstborn was also frowned upon at the time: how could I expect a birthday meal? I never ate one.” He added that his birthday was often overshadowed by ancestral rites, and even having a bowl of seaweed soup on his birthday seemed like a luxury.
“That’s why after becoming a celebrity, I confidently say: ‘My birthday is Lunar New Year’” he shared. Jang Yoon Jung revealed that he has spent almost 30 years with what he described “a sad birthday”, but since she got married she has been able to proudly celebrate her lunar birthday. “After finishing the ancestral rites, my mother-in-law cooks seaweed soup just for me,” he said with a smile.
As the birthday candle trend continues to circulate online, Jang Yoon Jung’s participation has once again sparked debate, mixing lighthearted celebrations with ongoing conversations about social media influence and public perception.
Sources: Daum
