A seemingly innocent moment of affection between a K-pop star and her beloved pet has erupted into a full-blown online controversy, sparking a heated debate about animal welfare and hygiene.
Kim Chaewon, a member of the hugely popular girl group LE SSERAFIM, is facing a torrent of criticism after a clip from a live broadcast showed her planting a kiss directly on the lips of her dog, Shiro. The video, which quickly went viral, has drawn disgust and concern from thousands of viewers worldwide.
Fans Express Disgust and Concern
The backlash was swift and severe. Social media platforms were flooded with comments from horrified fans who labelled the act 'unhygienic' and 'disgusting'. Many expressed concerns about the potential transfer of bacteria between humans and animals, citing advice from veterinarians.
One fan commented, 'I love my dog too, but I would never kiss it on the mouth. Don't you know how many germs they have?', while another stated, 'As a pet owner, you should know better. This is irresponsible.'
A Wider Debate on Pet Ownership
The incident has transcended typical fan gossip and ignited a genuine discussion on responsible pet ownership practices. Animal experts often advise against close contact like mouth-to-mouth kissing, warning that pets can carry germs like salmonella and E. coli, which are transmissible to humans.
Furthermore, some critics argued that the dog, a Japanese Spitz named Shiro, may not have been comfortable with the gesture, highlighting the importance of reading and respecting an animal's body language.
The Price of Fame
For Chaewon and the LE SSERAFIM brand, the incident serves as a stark reminder that every action is scrutinised under the intense glare of the public eye. What was likely intended as a casual display of love for a family pet has now become a public relations challenge, demonstrating how quickly a private moment can become a public talking point.
As the debate continues to rage online, it remains to be seen whether the idol or her management company will address the concerns raised by the viral clip.
