Surprised to See a Puppy in the Front Row at the Movies: "How Did It Get In?"

Witness Account Spreads via Social Media
Controversy Over Disruptive Audience Member

Controversy has arisen after a photo was released showing an audience member watching a movie in a theater screening room with a Maltese puppy, presumed to be a Maltese, sitting on their lap.

An audience member brought a puppy into the movie theater screening room, sparking controversy. Instagram thread

On September 14, a post on an online community gained attention after a netizen shared a photo on their social media account, asking, "Is it okay to bring a puppy to the movie theater these days?" Netizen A said, "I was startled when I came to watch a movie and saw a Maltese sitting in front of me."

The released photo shows an audience member inside the screening room watching the movie with a puppy on their lap. A said, "When I inquired with the theater, they told me that pets are not allowed." They added, "The audience member left about 30 minutes before the movie ended, and the light disturbed my view. What did the puppy do to deserve this?" expressing their frustration.

Some have suggested that the puppy could be a service dog for a person with disabilities. However, after A checked with the Korea Assistance Dog Association, they received a response that this was unlikely. The association explained, "All assistance dogs wear a gown or vest with the training institution's mark. While there are Maltese breeds that have served as assistance dogs, there are none currently."

Currently, major multiplex theaters in Korea, such as Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and CGV, do not allow pets to enter as a general rule. However, in special cases such as drive-in theaters, event programs, or screenings specifically for pet owners, dogs may be allowed. The theater in question, however, was confirmed not to fall under any of these exceptions that permit dogs.