Blackpink get flak for 'mishandling' baby panda
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Chinese netizens were outraged that Blackpink members wore make-up when interacting with the baby panda, as this might cause irritation to the animal.
PHOTO: YOUTUBE SCREENGRAB
Blackpink have sparked a controversy on Chinese social media for touching a baby panda with their make-up on.
On Wednesday, the popular K-pop girl group released the trailer for the last episode of their reality show, 24/365 With Blackpink, which is scheduled to be aired today.
In the clip, Blackpink - comprising Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa - were seen going to a theme park in Seoul to visit Fu Bao, the first panda to be born in South Korea about three months ago.
Although Blackpink's four members wore face masks, gloves and protective suits during their interaction with the baby panda, their make-up riled netizens in China.
They said the make-up might cause irritation to the baby panda due to its low immunity and stressed that in China, only zookeepers are allowed to touch the pandas to reduce the possibility of infection and unintentional harm.
Some netizens also pointed out that Lisa, 23, and Jisoo, 25, did not wear face masks while preparing food, while others pointed out that Jennie, 24, and Rose, 23, did not wear face masks and gloves while touching the mother panda's palm.
However, some South Korean fans claimed that rules in China do not apply in South Korea.
The theme park also said the Blackpink members followed the zookeepers' instructions and sanitised their hands during the recording.
