Amid ongoing dating rumours involving BTS’ Jungkook and aespa’s Winter, a new controversy has erupted online, this time centred on Jungkook’s beloved Doberman, Bam. The issue resurfaced after a series of posts on Korean online communities questioned why Bam still remains at a training facility months after Jungkook’s discharge from the military.
Bam became widely known to fans after appearing in In the Soop 2 in 2021, where Jungkook introduced him to viewers as a deeply cherished companion. The dog’s affectionate personality and close bond with the singer earned him massive popularity. However, discussions around Bam’s long-term stay at a training camp have periodically resurfaced, and the debate has intensified once again.
As reported by Koreaboo, this week, a community post questioning Jungkook’s choices went viral. One user wrote, "This has been a mystery for such a long time. I mean, he brings home his childhood friend, an aunt, and his girlfriend to his house, but he doesn’t bring his dog home, who is like a son to him? What are you doing?"
The renewed criticism has led fans to revisit Jungkook’s previous explanation. In December 2023, during a live broadcast, Jungkook addressed accusations that he had “abandoned” Bam due to his busy schedule.
“I found a place that can take care of Bam through acquaintances, and Bam seems to be doing much better there. On one hand, I feel like in instances where I can’t take care of Bam, it would be better to have them take care of Bam, with me coming by often. As you all know, I’ve been busy lately and going overseas, so I honestly can’t take care of Bam properly. Thankfully, Bam doesn’t have anxiety about being away from me and likes the people who are taking care of him; he has lots of friends there.
So, what I’m trying to say is that if you want to raise a dog but don’t have the means, then don’t bring one home. Now that I’ve experienced it, it really isn’t something you should do to a dog. So, although I feel really bad, I’m thankful that he is always bright even though I can’t be there often,” Jungkook had said.
While some fans accepted this explanation, others believed his comments suggested he planned to bring Bam home after completing his military service. With that not happening yet, debate has reignited. “If he pays for Bam to be there, it’s not abandonment. It would’ve been best to not bring him home in the first place, but if it’s hard to care for the dog, he should at least do this,” wrote a fan.
“If the owner isn’t taking care of it, then it’s abandonment,” argued another.
One fan wrote, “The dog must think the training camp is his home.” Another remarked, “Isn’t he just using the camp as a long-term hotel? But it doesn’t look like he’ll bring Bam home anytime soon.”
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“He’s really making up excuses to say he paid money to abandon his dog,” noted a follower. “This is called abandonment. Going to see him often is just an excuse. Seeing fans protecting him about this are really crazy fans,” said another.
As of now, neither Jungkook nor BIGHIT Music has addressed the renewed controversy.
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