Blackpink’s panda stunt sparks anger

Many Chinese are particularly sensitive about representations of what they view as a national symbol, sentiments fed by rising nationalism that often takes its most virulent form on the internet.

A publicity stunt involving South Korean girl group Blackpink and a cuddly baby panda has prompted outraged comments and calls for an apology from some in China.The endangered animals are native only to China, which claims ownership over all pandas loaned to foreign zoos, including those born abroad. Many Chinese are particularly sensitive about representations of what they view as a national symbol, sentiments fed by rising nationalism that often takes its most virulent form on the internet.

The outrage over a video of group members cuddling the baby panda in Everland Zoo near Seoul may also reflect a growing awareness of animal welfare, with the China Wildlife Conservation Association among those raising their voices.

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The stunt “violated the professional requirements for protection of the giant panda,” the group said, adding that the zoo should improve its management to ensure such incidents do not happen again.Users called for apologies from the band and their management and some form of explanation from the zoo itself.

“If it’s all about the money and you cannot or don’t wish to take proper care of (the pandas), then give them back to us,” wrote one person, using the name Jenea_y.“K-pop” bands such as Blackpink are hugely popular in China, as well as in South Korea, Japan and elsewhere. Blackpink’s management removed the video and scrapped plans to use it in its reality TV show, although no formal apology has been offered.