Super Junior Heechul is being criticized for his comment on adopting dogs on a recent episode of JTBC's new variety show "Pet-kage."
On Aug. 26, JTBC premiered its new entertainment program, titled "Travel Package - Pet-kage." Heechul is one of the four hosts including Girls' Generation Taeyeon, Hong Hyun Hee, and Kang Ki Young on the show.
After reading a letter from one of the pet owners, Super Junior member Heechul made remarks that appear to be prejudice against abandoned dogs, and so he is currently receiving backlash.
Super Junior Heechul Criticized for His Comment on Adopting Dogs on JTBC "Pet-kage"
JTBC's new variety show "Pet-kage" (a pun on the words "pet" and "package tour") will focus on the concept of the hosts taking their pets on vacation. The four celebrities split into two teams (Taeyeon and Heechul versus Kang Ki Young and Hong Hyun Hee) and battle as they enjoy a trip with their pets as their travel companions.
On the day of the premiere of "Pet-kage," Super Junior Heechul caused a bad impression of the show on the viewers because of his remarks about adopting dogs.
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After reading the letter from a pet owner, Heechul expressed his admiration for people who adopt dogs from a shelter. His following comment, however, enraged the viewers.
Super Junior member Heechul continued, "Frankly speaking, pet experts would never recommend dog adoption to people who are first-time dog owners."
He explained that rescued dogs would take a long time to heal from its past bad experience and adapt in its new home and new owner because it was hurt before.
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The "Sorry Sorry" singer concluded that first-time dog owners and the dog would both get hurt since adopters are not aware of what caused pain to the dogs before they were rescued.
To put it simply, Super Junior Heechul said that abandoned dogs are difficult to raise because they need a long time to heal and adapt to their new environment, hence, it would not be easy for beginner owners to take care of them.
Following the premiere of JTBC's "Pet-kage," many viewers claimed that Heechul's statement about adopting dogs was inappropriate. They left comments on the homepage of the new entertainment program, criticizing the K-pop idol. Some viewers stated that his words can be interpreted as an encouragement to purchase dogs from pet shops.
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KARA (Korea Animal Rights Advocates) even criticized the statement made by Super Junior member Heechul. They shared the singer's remarks on their Instagram story and commented, "A misleading information about abandoned dogs being hard to raise was broadcasted, and it may lead to people not wanting to raise rescued pets anymore."
Meanwhile, JTBC and Heechul are yet to release an official statement regarding the issue.
What are your thoughts on Super Junior Heechul's remarks about first-time owners adopting dogs? Leave a comment below!
Heechul Participates in Super Junior's Latest Comeback with "The Renaissance"
In other news, Heechul took part in Super Junior's long-awaited group comeback this past March.
Super Junior released their tenth full-length album "The Renaissance," which was supposed to be dropped in December 2020.
"The Renaissance" consists of 10 songs including the title track "House Party" and the B-side song "The Melody," which was released in September 2020 in celebration of the group's 15th anniversary of their debut.
Super Junior's tenth full-length album received great support from domestic fans that it rose to No. 1 on the Gaon Album Chart. It has already sold more than 460,000 copies, so far.
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
