Deceased Star Dog 'Baekho'... Suspicions Grow Over Using Cancer Battle for Profit

860K Followers Online Pet Sitters Loved
All Accounts Suddenly Deleted Right After Allegations Raised

The accounts of the beloved star dog 'Iutjib-ui Baekho' (Neighbor Baekho), who had 860,000 followers on SNS (130,000 on YouTube, 280,000 on Instagram, and 450,000 on Twitter), suddenly disappeared on the 9th. This occurred after suspicions arose that Baekho's owner was exploiting Baekho as a means of making money.

Baekho [Photo by Baekho of the Neighbor's House SNS]

Baekho's guardian, 'Baekho Nuna,' posted a statement on her Instagram addressing the controversies surrounding the adoption of the pet dog Taepung and Baekho's medical expenses and fan meetings, but soon deleted all activity and closed the account.

Neighbor Baekho began activities centered on Instagram and Twitter in 2014 and even appeared on the YouTube channel 'Animalbwa' of the TV show 'TV Animal Farm.' Later, Baekho received great love from 'raensen jipsa (online dog owners)' and created content together with animal trainer Kang Hyeong-wook and others.

Earlier, on the 6th, Baekho's Instagram account shared the news that "Baekho has passed away. He quietly and peacefully left at the moment when the rain stopped and the sky cleared," indicating that Baekho crossed the rainbow bridge.

Baekho's guardian said, "Our Baekho was truly a wonderful dog. For abandoned animals, we installed air conditioners in hot places, gifted heaters in cold places, and placed air purifiers in areas without ventilation. Also, we always sent plenty of food to places where hungry animals were."

Baekho Nuna, who became famous through daily photos and videos posted on Twitter since 2014, sold various MD products such as calendars bearing Baekho's name and dog toothpaste. Baekho Nuna stated that all proceeds were donated to abandoned animals.

At the end of last year, Baekho Nuna announced, "Baekho was diagnosed with a rare cancer and is undergoing tumor removal surgery and chemotherapy." In February, she posted, "For nine years, all MD sales proceeds have been used for food and medical expenses for friends without families. Advertising fees were also donated except for labor costs," and asked, "May I use the MD proceeds for Baekho's treatment this time?"

She also explained that she produced clothing not sold elsewhere, and those who cared for Baekho purchased these products hoping for his recovery.

Insincere Disclosure of Donation Details... "Baekho in Critical Condition, Yet Plans to Adopt Pet Dog Taepung?"

Baekho [Photo by Baekho of the Neighbor's House SNS]

However, Baekho Nuna received criticism from netizens for adopting a new pet dog, Taepung, while posting about financial difficulties due to Baekho's illness, leading to accusations of using pets for profit.

At that time, suspicions regarding the proceeds also surfaced online. Criticisms included insincere disclosure of donation details and the sale of products to raise treatment funds.

Baekho Nuna claimed, "I spent about 80 million won on Baekho's treatment," but there were also remarks about the lack of evidence. It was later revealed that a trademark related to 'Iutjib-ui Baekho' was filed in April while Baekho was still battling illness.

Some suspected, "If donations exceed 10 million won, usage information must be disclosed under the Donation Act, but proceeds from product sales do not require proof, so it seems MD products were sold using this loophole."

The fan meeting held three days after Baekho's tumor removal surgery also drew criticism for "overworking the pet dog for money."

Baekho's fan meeting took place on December 17 last year, only about 10 days after his first surgery. To cover the shaved fur from surgery, Baekho wore clothes during the fan meeting, and Baekho Nuna revealed Baekho's illness 10 days later.

After Baekho's death, the adoption of a puppy of the same Welsh Corgi breed named 'Taepung' also came under scrutiny.

On the 28th of last month, Baekho Nuna stated, "During Baekho's treatment, I was asked by someone I often met at the hospital if I could take care of a Welsh Corgi puppy," calling it "a connection Baekho made."

However, netizens questioned, "Baekho was in critical condition, and despite desperately asking for treatment funds, how did plans to raise a new Welsh Corgi puppy come about?" Baekho Nuna was also raising a cat and another dog besides Baekho.

Currently, all YouTube and SNS accounts related to Iutjib-ui Baekho have been closed. Some netizens commented, "I had positive thoughts but now feel very conflicted," "Baekho Nuna's Twitter was like a pioneer of animal Twitter from the early days, so it's very bittersweet to see this ending," and "I worry if the remaining animals will be well cared for."

Some even compared this to the 'Second Kyungtae Incident.' At that time, former delivery worker Kim (34) and his girlfriend (39), who raised over 600 million won in donations by sharing a heartbreaking story about their pet dog, were sentenced to prison in January. The court judged that "the girlfriend, who mainly managed social media and received donations into her own account, bore heavier guilt."

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