In South Korea, actor Lee Byung-hun has sparked a heated debate online following his recent comments about pet ownership. During an episode of the YouTube channel ‘DdeunDdeun,’ he revealed that he once cared for up to 27 dogs, a statement that caught many by surprise.
Lee shared that while living with his mother before marriage, he had a significant number of pets, which included a mix of large and medium-sized breeds. He described the challenges of managing such a large household of dogs, noting, “Feeding them was a huge task, but cleaning up after them was even more difficult.” Currently, he owns four dogs, having rehomed the others to friends.
While some viewers expressed amazement at the sheer number of dogs Lee once had, others voiced serious concerns. Critics on online forums have labeled him an “animal hoarder” and accused him of irresponsibly acquiring pets without considering their long-term care. Comments such as “This is animal abuse” and “How could he manage the care of so many?” reflect a growing unease regarding his past actions and the implications of them.
Despite Lee’s claims of having found homes for the dogs, many argue that the initial decision to keep such a large number of pets raises ethical questions about his responsibility as a pet owner. The backlash highlights a broader societal concern in South Korea regarding animal welfare and the responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Why it matters: This controversy underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the societal expectations surrounding the care of animals in South Korea, prompting discussions about animal rights and ethical treatment of pets.
