Actor and painter Lee Hye-young (53) deleted a social media post after facing accusations of animal mistreatment for sharing a video that showed makeup drawn on her dog’s face.
On the 25th, Lee posted a video with the caption, “Thanks to you, I had fun.” It showed her spending time with her dog on a bed. But the dog’s face appeared to have eyeliner, blush, and a scar-like mark drawn on with what looked like cosmetics, which sparked criticism.
Some commenters wrote, “It could irritate an animal’s skin,” and “This isn’t just a prank―it could be abuse.” Others pushed back on Lee’s social media, calling it “cute” and “so her,” leading to a split reaction.
As the backlash grew, Lee deleted the post without issuing a separate statement.
A similar case surfaced overseas in 2024, when Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz drew backlash for posting a video of their dog’s fur dyed pink and orange. At the time, critics warned that dyeing pets’ fur or using chemical products could harm their health.
Animal protection groups generally caution that pets’ skin differs from humans’ and may be more sensitive to chemical ingredients. They advise careful consideration before any cosmetic dyeing or decorative treatments for pets.
Lee has long raised a Bull Terrier and once launched a fashion brand named after her dog, signaling her affection.
Meanwhile, she is currently active in both broadcasting and art.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)