Chinese Netizens Criticize BLACKPINK for "Touching National Treasure Panda Without Gloves"

Photo by BLACKPINK Official YouTube Channel Video Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Chinese netizens have started criticizing BLACKPINK following BTS. The reason is that BLACKPINK touched China's national treasure, the 'panda,' without wearing gloves and while wearing heavy makeup.

On the 4th, BLACKPINK uploaded a video titled 'BLACKPINK - 24/365 with BLACKPINK Last Episode Preview.' The video shows BLACKPINK members Jennie and Lisa visiting Everland and experiencing a 'one-day zookeeper' program, during which they meet a panda.

However, Chinese media such as Sina News began criticizing the group, reporting that "BLACKPINK illegally touched the panda without wearing gloves."

Pengmeng News reported, "BLACKPINK touched 'Fubao,' a panda born in Korea on July 20 this year, while wearing makeup, and did not wear gloves or masks when touching adult pandas. This poses a high risk of infecting the pandas. It is a clear illegal contact."

On the 5th, the hashtag #BLACKPINKTouchedPandaWithoutGloves spread widely, attracting attention on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and the portal site Baidu. Some Chinese netizens tagged BLACKPINK, Korean government agencies, and Everland on social media, demanding an immediate apology and the return of the panda, accusing them of illegally harming China's national treasure.

In response, BLACKPINK's side explained to NoCut News on the 5th, "The filming was conducted under the participation of zookeepers and followed appropriate procedures such as hand sanitization."

Previously, Chinese netizens had also criticized BTS leader RM's remarks at the 'Ban Fleet' awards ceremony hosted by the U.S. nonprofit organization Korea Society last month.

At that time, RM said, "This year's event is especially meaningful as it marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War. We must forever remember the history of hardship and sacrifice experienced by both countries." However, in China, this was met with critical responses, saying it was "a disregard for the Chinese troops who participated in the Korean War."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.