Production Team "Apologies to the Hurt Pet Owners"
Broadcaster Lee Kyung-kyu's new web variety show 'Respect Refrigerator' faced controversy over forcing Jindo dogs to wear muzzles after the first episode was released, prompting the production team to issue an apology.
On the 13th, the 'Respect Refrigerator' production team stated through comments on their official YouTube channel and YouTube community, "We deeply apologize for causing hurt to many pet owners by focusing only on Jindo dog owners regarding the issue of pet muzzle-wearing." They added, "Going forward, our production team will take viewers' diverse perspectives and sentiments into consideration and produce content that resonates with the audience more carefully." They concluded, "Once again, we sincerely apologize to the pet owners who were hurt."
'No Muzzle'... Criticism Despite Jindo Dogs Not Legally Required to Wear Muzzles
On the 10th, the YouTube channel 'Leukleuk Lee Kyung-kyu' released Lee Kyung-kyu's new web variety show 'Respect Refrigerator.' 'Respect Refrigerator' is content that reinterprets the 1990s public service variety show 'Conscience Refrigerator.' In the first episode released that day, the concept was 'Finding people who show respect during pet dog walks,' portraying people who follow pet etiquette well through the video.
In the video, Lee Kyung-kyu said, "In the era of 15 million pet owners, many people go out and walk with their pets. Nowadays, public awareness has greatly improved, and most people follow the rules well. We want to take one step further and find citizens who can be subjects of respect." He also explained, "Honestly, muzzles are not necessarily required. There are dogs that must wear muzzles. For example, Jindo dogs are legally not required to wear muzzles. Sometimes, people wear muzzles because others might think 'That looks a bit threatening.' Those people are subjects of respect."
Lee Kyung-kyu and other MCs observed a walking trail looking for pet dogs and owners who used manners water (water to dilute pet urine), identification tags, and muzzles. The screen showed several Jindo dogs walking with their owners. The MCs commented, "They are not wearing muzzles." Subtitles such as 'No muzzle' and 'No muzzle again this time' appeared, depicting the lack of muzzles on Jindo dogs as if it were wrong.
"Are They Promoting Jindo Dog Hate?" Netizens Continue Criticism
Afterwards, netizens pointed out that the video promotes 'Jindo dog hate.' In particular, netizen A commented on the video, saying, "I am the owner of the dog shown in the video," and added, "I was never informed about the filming during the walk, so I am very surprised. Why was the video filmed and uploaded without the consent of the parties involved?" They continued, "Moreover, the content and purpose of the video are so biased that not only is the dog shown without permission, but the video itself makes me feel very uncomfortable," and questioned, "Are you promoting hate against Jindo dogs?"
Meanwhile, despite owners' demands to take down the video flooding in, the video remains publicly available.
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