The South Korean all-girl group who has stormed over the global music stage with its presence, BLACKPINK, has charmed the internet with a video clip that sparked a debate in China.
BLACKPINK is under investigation in China
As per Koreaboo, the video clip of BLACKPINK hugging cute baby pandas already has now over 2.5 million views. The video was uploaded on the band’s official Youtube channel as part of its latest reality program.
Despite the cuteness overload, the video seems to put a fire between concerned Chinese netizens and the group for an oddly different reason.
What is the case?
BLACKPINK got the chance to prepare a meal for a mother panda, where they also cuddled its 9-month-old cub that goes by the name of Fubao.
Although Fubao was born in South Korea, he is not a property of the Korean zoo. China's government owns every adult panda globally, and zoos from across the globe only rent them.
A panda loan can cost up to $1 million yearly that can run up to ten years. For every born cub, the foreign zoo must pay an additional $400,000 for tax.
And since China owns the pandas at the Everland’s Panda World, the zoo is expected to care and follow the strict rules in protecting the animals from any forms. One law states that members not belonging to the zoo must not touch the animals or come near them.
The matter is due to the reason stated by the Chinese State Forestry Administration that the pandas may incur a zoonotic infection if one touches them without proper knowledge.
In the video by BLACKPINK, the ladies are seen touching the pandas, causing a commotion online. C-netizens also points out that the band members wore makeup and perfume and did not wear gloves while handling the panda. And the case violates the regulations mandated by the Chinese government.
According to Caixinglobal, the Chinese are on fire towards BLACKPINK and the zookeepers for neglecting the proper handling of the adorable animals.
For the time being, the China Giant Panda Conversation & research Center is processing the investigation and is expected to release a statement soon.
