One after another, the trainees from the survival show Boys II Planet have found themselves caught up in controversies. From accusations of being a BTS Jungkook anti to claims of bullying, and even one for having a girlfriend – everything is being scrutinized by fans online. Now, another contestant, Jeong Sanghyeon, has landed himself in hot water, this time facing charges of ‘animal abuse’.
The trainee is facing intense backlash online after photos of him carrying his pet cat outside for a walk and into a local mart went viral on social media, causing an uproar. While this may seem trivial to many, K-netizens have not taken this act lightly.
Jeong Sanghyeon a trainee at Boys II Planet. Credit: X
Did Jeong Sanghyeon ‘abuse’ his cat?
Jeong Sanghyeon found himself at the center of backlash after a series of photos surfaced online, allegedly showing him carrying his cat in public spaces – including during walks and even inside a local mart. While the images may have appeared endearing to some, others quickly raised red flags about the potential risks and lack of proper pet safety. It is also to be noted that none of these phots show Jeong Sanghyeon’s face but only a male’s back holding a cat.
Jeong Sanghyeon allegedly with his cat. Credit|theqoo
In most countries, including South Korea, animal welfare guidelines advise against bringing cats outdoors without the right precautions. Cats are easily startled in unfamiliar settings and, without a secure carrier or a harness and leash, they can quickly bolt or become distressed. The lack of restraint in Jeong’s photos led many to question whether the animal’s safety was being compromised.
Korean fans unhappy
What began as casual photos quickly escalated into a heated debate online. Netizens on the app Theqoo criticized the trainee for what they called “reckless” and “uninformed” behavior. Some even accused him of “animal abuse,” arguing that exposing a cat to crowded, noisy environments without proper protection was both irresponsible and emotionally harmful.
Comments on theqoo
‘Just why would you take a cat on a walk?’
‘As a cat owner, this makes me so stressed out.’
‘Don’t raise pets so easily.’
‘Cat owners are so stressed about this. Isn’t it better to remove the post?’
‘He’s treating the cat like an accessory or doll.’
At present, neither Jeong Sanghyeon nor the Boys II Planet production team has issued any statement regarding the allegations.
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