Lee Hye-young is facing intense backlash after sharing a social media post that has sparked a growing animal abuse controversy.
On March 25, the former Roo’ra member uploaded a video on her Instagram showing her daily life with her pet dog. While the clip appeared lighthearted at first—featuring her feeding the dog snacks—viewers quickly noticed something alarming: the dog had visible makeup applied around its eyes and mouth.
The post immediately drew criticism online, with many netizens expressing concern and disapproval. Comments flooded in, including one that read, “In my country, this wouldn’t be seen as cute—it would be called animal cruelty.” Others pointed out that abuse is not limited to physical violence or neglect, emphasizing that such actions can still harm animals.
Experts in veterinary science have also weighed in, warning that applying human cosmetics to pets—especially near sensitive areas like the eyes—can pose serious health risks. Dogs’ corneas are highly sensitive to foreign substances and chemical ingredients, which may lead to conditions such as conjunctivitis or even corneal ulcers. In this case, the use of mascara around the dog’s eyes was highlighted as particularly dangerous.
This incident has drawn comparisons to a previous controversy involving Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz, who faced global criticism in 2024 after posting a video of their dog dyed pink. At the time, experts similarly warned that dogs’ skin, which is close to neutral pH, can be easily affected by chemicals, and that licking treated fur may lead to toxic ingestion.
As the debate continues, the controversy surrounding Lee Hye Young highlights increasing public sensitivity toward animal welfare and the responsibilities of public figures when sharing content involving pets.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠경향
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