South Korean actor Lee Byung-hun has recently sparked controversy after revealing that he once owned 27 dogs. His comments, made during an appearance on the YouTube channel ‘DdeunDdeun’, have led to heated discussions online. During the episode titled “The Acting God is an Excuse,” Lee stated, “I currently donโt have any pets,” before recalling his past experiences with a large number of dogs.
Lee shared that he kept up to 27 dogs while living with his mother before getting married. This disclosure surprised his fellow guests, Yoo Jae-suk and Jisuk Jin, who expressed disbelief at the sheer number of pets. He explained that the challenges of feeding and cleaning up after so many dogs were immense, saying, “The amount of food was enormous, but cleaning up after them was even more difficult.” He later mentioned that he had given away some of the dogs to friends and currently has about four remaining.
Despite Lee’s candidness about his past, the response from the public has been mixed. Many netizens have expressed concern, accusing him of being an “animal hoarder” and questioning the responsibility of owning so many pets. Comments on social media highlight issues of animal welfare, with some users criticizing the actor for what they perceive as a lack of accountability in pet ownership. Phrases like “serious moral hazard” and “how can one manage that many pets?” have emerged in the discussions surrounding Lee’s remarks.
While some fans defend him, arguing that giving away dogs is a responsible action, the backlash emphasizes the importance of animal care and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. The conversation has opened a broader dialogue about animal welfare in South Korea, particularly concerning how pets are treated and the ethical implications of keeping multiple animals.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the ongoing conversation about animal rights and responsible pet ownership in South Korea, reflecting societal attitudes towards pets and their care.