NCT’s Jaemin Kitten Reveal Stirs Heated Debate Among Korean Netizens

NCT‘s Jaemin recently announced he’s become a proud cat parent. Sharing snaps of his kittens and even creating an Instagram profile dedicated to his feline family, Jaemin seems genuinely excited to introduce his new family members to the world. But, instead of universal applause, Jaemin’s new pet parenthood has sparked a lively discussion among netizens, centering around the controversial topic of pet adoption and purchasing.

| @nct_dream/Instagram

Jaemin, known for his affectionate relationship with fans, used the fan messaging app Bubble to share the news. He introduced his eldest cat, Luna, and also revealed two younger kittens, Lucy and Luke. The latter two will be unveiled to the public at a later date, as he playfully shared.

Mm-hmm. I’m going to live happily ever after with my kitties. I have one son and two daughters now. You guys are getting so curious! Haha. I’m only going to reveal the oldest today. I’ll share the younger two with you guys later.

— NCT’s Jaemin on Bubble

| Bubble

While many fans of NCT, known as NCTzens, are celebrating the news, the announcement has also triggered a significant debate on the popular community site TheQoo, with discussions primarily focusing on the origins of the kittens and the ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ campaign.

The debate around Jaemin’s new cat family pivoted on several key points of contention. Netizens debated whether Jaemin acquired the kittens from a pet store and questioned the appropriateness of a busy idol taking on the responsibility of caring for three kittens. The discussion further delved into whether the kittens were adopted rather than purchased as netizens argued whether his action is acceptable at a time when many are advocating for pet adoption over shopping.

Jaemin’s new Instagram account for his kittens. | @na_nyang_i/Instagram

Opinions are varied and heated. While some netizens are against making assumptions about how Jaemin acquired his kittens, others are criticizing him for potentially promoting pet shopping, given his influential status. The fact that the kittens’ birthdays are listed on their Instagram account has been taken as proof that they were not adopted since adopted pets typically don’t come with known birthdays.

• We don’t know where he got the kittens from, so I don’t think we should assume the worst and call him out. I just hope that he takes good care of them, since what’s been done has been done.
• Seriously, though. I’m not Jaemin’s fan. I don’t even like NCT. But I think it’s creepy how everyone is hating on him because of the cats. Are celebrities not allowed to have pets anymore?
• But there hasn’t been any kind of background information on the cats. Why are we assuming the worst of him? Because he’s an idol? You all should beware that what you’re leaving is malicious comments.
• Well, we know he didn’t adopt them because adopted pets don’t know their birthdays. But his cats have their birthdays written on their IG.
• It’s not like his fans are upset about it. NCT Dream fans are celebrating it. My timeline is basically throwing a party for him as if he dropped some comeback teasers.

| TheQoo

The debate further extends to whether owning purebred cats and sharing their pictures promotes pet shopping, an issue that concerns a number of netizens.

• How do we know they’re purebred cats, though? I’m genuinely curious.
• It’ll be fine as long as he takes good care of them.
• Why are people beating him up over this? This is absurd.
• I am running a few minutes late; my previous meeting is running over. I don’t get it. Are people who own purebred cats as pets not allowed to show them off? Like, they’re not supposed to share any photos of purebred cats because that’s promoting pet shopping? I actually want to know.

| TheQoo

Some netizens defend Jaemin, asserting that he has the time and resources to care for the kittens well. However, others express concern about the idol’s decision to take home three kittens at once, especially if he’s not a seasoned pet owner.

The controversy has even reached those who are neutral towards Jaemin or NCT, with some stating that they find the harsh criticism more appalling than the potential purchase of the kittens.

• Stop hating on the guy. We don’t know how he got the cats. Also, Jaemin has more time and money than the haters. I’m sure he’ll take good care of the cats.
• It’s OK to buy pets. Fine. But someone as influential as he is should think twice about promoting purebred pet sales on social media.
• I get that buying purebred cats from pet shops is frowned upon these days. But just because he made that choice, people are leaving some really nasty comments. And I find that more appalling.
• A friend of mine also went around shopping for the “prettiest” ragdoll and told me all about how “expensive” it was to buy the cat. I simply told that person to take good care of it until its time. In reality, we don’t really have a say in what choices other people make.
• This is the worst, though. He should’ve thought this through. I know some fans are out there defending him because they don’t know better. But I bet he got the cats from a breeder. Breeders are not too different from pet shops. While I know he has friends who also have cats that will help him out, I don’t think it’s the smartest to bring home multiple baby cats at once when you’re not a seasoned pet owner. He didn’t know what he could or could not handle but decided to go with it anyway. I’m just concerned, that’s all. And I get to be concerned because I am actually an NCT fan.

| TheQoo

• I can’t believe he revealed this on the fandom’s birthday. Did he mean it to be some sort of a gift? I guess for the fans who are against pet shopping, this is going to be the biggest wake-up call.
• He’s rich. He’ll be OK.
• Wait, he brought home THREE purebred kittens?! As someone who adopted a stray cat off the street, people like him make me so mad. He’s a popular idol, too!
• It’s not a problem that the cats are purebred. It’s problematic that (1) a world-touring idol (2) adopted three kittens at once, (3) from a pet shop, and (4) promoted the whole thing on Instagram. Please stop trying to downplay the situation.
• What was he thinking… to have bought three kittens at once…

| TheQoo