Choi Si-won under fire over death of woman bitten by dog

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

Entertainment & Arts

Mon, December 4, 2023 | 21:24

Choi Si-won under fire over death of woman bitten by dog

Posted : 2017-10-21 17:14

Updated : 2017-10-22 17:11

Singer and actor Choi Si-won and his dog whose attack led to the death of a restaurant owner in Seoul. On the right are apologies by Choi and his family posted on social media. / Yonhap

By You soo-sun

Singer and actor Choi Si-won has come under fire for negligent care of his family pet dog, whose attack led to the death of his neighbor.

Choi apologized Saturday for the death of the 53-year-old restaurant owner, Kim, who died several days after being attacked by his dog in an apartment building in southern Seoul.

"I am deeply sorry to the family members for their loss that brought them great shock and sadness," Choi wrote on social media. "As a member of the family raising the dog, I feel great responsibility. I should have always taken strict cautionary measures; I repent my negligence which has caused this severe damage. I will make sure this will never happen again."

The victim, who was also the owner of the upscale Korean restaurant Hanilkwan, died of blood poisoning six days after Choi's French bulldog attacked her.

Response to Choi's apology has not been warm, however, with many pointing to signs he continuously failed to take proper care of the dog.

In 2015, for example, Leeteuk, member of the boy band Super Junior, which Choi is also a member of, mentioned on social media Choi's dog bit him.

Choi's sister had also mentioned the dog was receiving weekly obedience training because he bites people.

Despite these instances, Choi and his family members posted pictures of their dog unleashed and with his mouth uncovered. One photo was posted two days after the attack on Kim.

Choi, who rose to fame as a member of Super Junior, was discharged from his mandatory military service in August and is currently appearing on cable channel tvN's new romantic comedy, "Revolutionary Love." Super Junior is also preparing for a comeback in November.

ssyou@ktimes.com

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