Wang Yuan, an 18-year-old member of China's popular teen band TFBoys, was caught smoking in a restaurant, leading to public criticism that he has ruined his "good boy" image.

Although it is understandable for Wang to smoke as an adult, he needs to be responsible for his behavior in public. Actually, the public criticism was mainly generated by his violation of the regulation that forbade smoking in public places, not his celebrity or smoking itself.

As a young idol, Wang has great influence among Chinese teenagers. The wrongdoing has led to criticism and administrative punishment, but it has the capacity to greatly mislead the public, especially the young.

Wang may be too eager to become an adult and may view smoking as a symbol of maturity. Still, his behavior is undoubtedly a heavy blow to his image and his fans. Wang has to face the loss of fans and public criticism and has resorted to apologies. Viewed from this perspective, Wang has not yet truly matured.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Qianjiang Evening News on May 27)