NCT’s Jaemin, a beloved member of the popular K-pop group, recently made headlines when he announced that he had become a proud cat parent. The idol shared adorable pictures of his kittens and even created a dedicated Instagram profile to showcase his feline family. However, what could have been a joyous moment for Jaemin quickly sparked a heated debate among Korean netizens, revolving around the contentious topic of pet adoption versus purchasing.
Using the fan messaging app Bubble, Jaemin excitedly introduced his eldest cat, Luna, and playfully teased about revealing the younger kittens, Lucy and Luke, at a later date.
While many fans, known as NCTzens, expressed their happiness and celebrated the news, the announcement ignited a significant discussion on the popular community site TheQoo. The primary focus of the debate revolved around the origin of the kittens and the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign, which advocates for adopting pets instead of purchasing them.
The debate surrounding Jaemin’s new cat family centered on several contentious points. Netizens questioned whether Jaemin had acquired the kittens from a pet store and raised concerns about a busy idol like him taking on the responsibility of caring for three kittens simultaneously. Additionally, there were arguments about whether the kittens were adopted or purchased, as some questioned the acceptability of purchasing pets when there is a growing movement for pet adoption.
Opinions on the matter were divided and emotions ran high. Some netizens cautioned against making assumptions about how Jaemin obtained his kittens and urged others not to criticize him without sufficient information. They hoped that Jaemin would provide proper care for the kittens now that they were part of his life. On the other hand, critics pointed out that the kittens’ birthdays being listed on their Instagram accounts seemed to indicate that they were not adopted, as adopted pets typically lack known birthdates.
The debate also extended to the issue of owning purebred cats and whether sharing their pictures promotes pet shopping, a concern raised by some netizens.
Amidst the discussions, there were netizens who defended Jaemin, highlighting that he had the time and resources to care for the kittens properly. However, others expressed concern about the idol’s decision to adopt three kittens simultaneously, particularly if he lacked experience as a pet owner.
Interestingly, even those who were neutral towards Jaemin or NCT found the harsh criticism directed at him more concerning than the potential purchase of the kittens.
As the debate intensified, some netizens called for an end to the negativity and cautioned against hating Jaemin without knowing the full story. They emphasized that individuals have the right to make their own choices regarding pet acquisition and that it is essential to respect those choices. Others believed that while purchasing purebred cats might not be inherently wrong, influential individuals like Jaemin should be cautious about promoting such actions on social media.
The controversy surrounding Jaemin’s kitten adoption even led to discussions about the timing of his announcement, coinciding with the fandom’s birthday. Some saw it as a gift, while others interpreted it as a wake-up call for fans who opposed pet shopping.
In the midst of it all, one thing remained clear: Jaemin’s decision to bring home three purebred kittens at once stirred strong emotions among netizens, particularly those advocating for adoption and criticizing the commercialization of pets.
As the debate rages on, it is evident that the topic of pet adoption versus shopping continues to be a contentious issue in South Korea. Whether this controversy will prompt a broader conversation on responsible pet ownership and the ethics surrounding pet acquisition remains to be seen.
