Professor Questions Hate Against BLACKPINK For Touching Pandas — Claims Other Celebrities Have Touched Them

BLACKPINK recently faced controversy for touching pandas with their bare hands in China with Chinese netizens claiming “the behavior could’ve put the pandas at risk of contracting COVID-19“, “that it violates the preservation laws of the pandas“, and “that in the case a Korean violates laws pertaining to national treasures, they could be required to pay a compensation for damages“.

In response, YG Entertainment announced the postponement of the episode in question.

And regarding the controversy, Professor Seo Kyung Deok of Sungshin Women’s University criticized the Chinese netizens for defaming BLACKPINK for something so minor.

There is currently a huge controversy happening in China due to their excessive patriotism. First they tried to attack BTS, and now it’s BLACKPINK.

— Professor Seo Kyung Deok

Professor Seo Kyung Deok finds the controversy unnecessary as he claims that many other celebrities and politicians have touched pandas in China before.

Chinese netizens are attacking BLACKPINK after they were shown touching pandas with their bare hands. But famous singers, actors, and politicians have touched the pandas for photos before.

— Professor Seo Kyung Deok

He even used the basketball player, Yao Ming as an example to support his claims.

As you can see from the photo, Chinese basketball player, Yao Ming, touched a baby panda with his bare hands and took photos during an event back in 2012.

— Professor Seo Kyung Deok

Professor Seo Kyung Deok expressed why he thinks BLACKPINK is being wrongfully attacked and asked netizens to stop.

China must be afraid of Korea’s culture being spread so wide throughout the world. I hope China learns to understand and respect other cultures first.

— Professor Seo Kyung Deok