Kim Hee-chul draws backlash for remarks on first-time pet adoption

Kim Hee-chul comments on stray animal adoption by first-time pet owners on JTBC's entertainment program 'Petkage', on Aug. 26. / Screen capture from JTBC

By Lee Hae-rin

Kim Hee-chul, a member of K-pop group Super Junior, is taking flak for his remarks opposed to adopting stray animals on JTBC's new entertainment program “Petkage,” on Aug. 26.

During the program, Kim said animal specialists never recommend adoption of stray pets to first-time pet owners.

“Stray animals take too long to get over their painful past and blend into a new family. Therefore the owner who has little knowledge on dogs and the adopted animal could both be heartbroken,” Kim said.

In response, KARA, an animal activist group, denounced Kim's remarks and the program.

According to KARA, his remarks could “spread misconception that stray animals are difficult companions,” and it is the producers' responsibility to take complementary measures regarding the cast's misleading or unverified remarks that have gone to air.

Asan Animal Protection Group also criticized the program, saying, “No animals are born stray pets. We demand an apology from the program's producers to those who have adopted animals, animal shelter volunteers and abandoned animals who could be dying at this moment.”

Some viewers also pointed out that Kim's remarks spur animal purchases at pet shops and puppy mills, where breeding animals are suffering distressful and inadequate health conditions.

In response to the criticisms, Kim explained via his social network account that all animals' lives matter and he intended to convey that dogs are smart animals with an enduring memories. JTBC has yet to respond to the criticism.