YG Entertainment halted one of BLACKPINK's reality show episodes from '24/365 with BLACKPINK', which includes the controversial Panda interaction, and fans expressed mixed reactions to the postponement of the episode.
The Jakarta Post reported that YG Entertainment uploaded the November 4 episode for '24/3 with BLACKPINK,' which features BLACKPINK members' interaction with baby pandas. The episode shows a lovely encounter of the members, touching the pandas with bare hands.
However, the Chinese netizens were angered by such an 'indelicate act' of the K-pop girl group and asserted that Pandas are China's greatest and national treasure. The angered netizens also added that such animals must be treated with utmost delicate care.
That being said, the members of BLACKPINK and their show are being immensely condemned by Chinese netizens and the country's officials for putting Panda's life in danger. People who have pets at home are prohibited from coming in close and touch contact with Pandas as they possibly can transmit 'zoonotic infection.'
Furthermore, The China Wildlife Conservation Association sent a letter notice to Everland, the theme park where the featured Pandas were shown in BLACKPINK's '24/365' reality show. The letter conveys the theme park's orders to prohibit any non-professional activities, which included touch and close contact to baby pandas, and features forbidden acts on such shows.
This is followed by YG Entertainment's official statement regarding the controversial episode of '24/365 with BLACKPINK' episode. The letter informs the public that the label halted the November 7 episode of BLACKPINK's reality show.
YG Entertainment made clear that there were stand-by professionals in the scene, and the members abide by their strict disease prevention and sanitation protocols. The baby Panda in the show that had been featured was handled with the utmost care, with the members of BLACKPINK wearing disinfected and appropriate clothing.
However, following the recommendation of Panda Conservation Experts, YG Entertainment decided to cancel the airing of the episode. YG Entertainment sent their profound gratitude for fans and asked for their support for BLACKPINK and China's National Treasure, 'Pandas.'
