Dog Trainer Kang Hyung-wook Sparks Controversy Over 'Pasha Incident' Remarks; Animal Rights Group Criticizes

Dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook is embroiled in controversy over his remarks regarding the 'Pasha incident,' where a beloved dog tragically died after being made to run while attached to an electric bicycle.

During a YouTube live broadcast on the 18th, Kang stated, "Rough Collies are a breed that requires a lot of exercise, and exercising them by riding a bicycle is a common sport, to the point of having competitions. The issue is only a matter of 'degree.'" He added, "I find the entire Pasha incident regrettable. I believe it was abuse. But did the person take Pasha out with the intention of abusing or killing her? I don't know... I don't want to believe they intended to kill Pasha, although they must be punished."

Upon the spread of these remarks, online communities erupted with criticism, arguing that he "downplayed clear abuse that led to death as 'lack of exercise.'" The expressions were seen as minimizing the essence of the incident to a 'matter of degree,' making animal abuse seem like a simple mistake.

As the controversy escalated, Kang Hyung-wook clarified on the 19th, "I also believe Pasha died due to abuse. I agree that such a thing should never happen again, but I don't think my feelings were fully conveyed through the video." He added that he would be more careful with his words in the future.

However, the animal rights organization CARE strongly criticized his statement, saying, "Trainer Kang Hyung-wook's remarks are like killing Pasha twice." CARE pointed out that substituting an animal's suffering with sports or training and reducing it to a matter of degree is "language that rationalizes violence" and a "dangerous rhetoric that replaces ethical judgment with technical judgment."

Meanwhile, Kang Hyung-wook was recently cleared of allegations of workplace bullying.

Netizens heavily criticized Kang's statements, with comments like, "It's incomprehensible to downplay an incident that led to death as a 'matter of degree'" and "He seems to be treating animal abuse too lightly."

Although Kang explained in a follow-up broadcast that his intentions were misunderstood, the critical public response has not easily subsided.