The K-pop star G-Dragon is facing fresh backlash as old allegations of pet neglect resurface, sparking heated discussions among fans and netizens. The controversy, which first emerged in 2020, centers on claims that G-Dragon neglected his dogs, Gaho and Jolie, and has now been reignited with new accusations about the fate of Gaho.
Background of the Controversy
In June 2020, posts on social media accused G-Dragon of neglecting his Shar Pei dogs, Gaho and Jolie, at a pension run by his family in Gangwon Province. Netizens claimed the dogs were left in poor conditions, with Gaho reportedly tied up outside and Jolie missing. Photos surfaced showing Gaho in a small cage, looking thin and unwell, fueling public outrage.
The pension, managed by G-Dragon’s sister, Kwon Dami, came under scrutiny for allegedly mistreating the dogs. Reports suggested Gaho was not properly fed or cared for, and Jolie had been lost or given away. Fans expressed disappointment, with some calling for accountability.
G-Dragon did not directly address the accusations at the time, but his sister reportedly denied the neglect claims, stating the dogs were cared for by staff. However, the lack of a clear response from G-Dragon himself intensified the criticism.
Recent Developments
In October 2023, a post on the platform X claimed Gaho had passed away after being rehomed overseas, reigniting the controversy. The post, shared by user @pannchoa, alleged Gaho died in October 2023, shortly after being sent to a new home. This sparked fresh anger, with netizens accusing G-Dragon of abandoning his pet.
Adding fuel to the fire, rapper KittiB publicly criticized G-Dragon in 2020, posting on social media about the neglect. She wrote,
If you can’t take care of your dogs properly, don’t get them. It’s not a toy or an accessory.
Her comments resurfaced in recent discussions, amplifying the backlash. Netizens expressed frustration, with some stating,
He should’ve taken responsibility for Gaho and Jolie instead of leaving them at the pension.
It’s heartbreaking to hear Gaho passed away after being sent away.
Additional Accusations
The controversy grew when G-Dragon was criticized for adopting cats after the dog neglect allegations. In June 2020, posts on X noted he had taken in cats, leading to accusations of replacing his dogs without addressing the prior issues. Netizens questioned his commitment to pet care, with one user writing,
Adopting cats after abandoning his dogs? That’s just wrong.
The lack of verified updates about Jolie’s whereabouts has also kept the issue alive. Some sources claim she was rehomed, while others suggest she was lost, leaving fans demanding clarity.
Public Response
The renewed criticism has divided G-Dragon’s fanbase. Some fans defend him, arguing he was busy with his career and entrusted the dogs to his family. One supporter posted,
GD was touring and working. He trusted his sister to care for them. It’s not entirely his fault.
Others, however, feel his silence reflects a lack of accountability. A netizen wrote,
As a public figure, he should’ve addressed this clearly to stop the rumors.
The controversy has also impacted G-Dragon’s public image. His recent variety show, Good Day, faced backlash due to unrelated issues involving guest Kim Soo Hyun, and the pet controversy has added to the negative attention. The show ended in April 2025 with its lowest ratings, partly attributed to public discontent.
As of April 2025, G-Dragon has not publicly commented on the renewed pet controversy. His agency, Galaxy Corporation, has also remained silent, leaving fans and critics awaiting an official statement. The lack of response continues to fuel speculation and disappointment among netizens.
G-Dragon is currently preparing for his world tour, announced alongside his album Übermensch, released in February 2025. The tour has already sparked separate controversy over its name and visuals, adding to the challenges he faces. Despite these issues, his album track Too Bad achieved a Perfect All-Kill, showing his music career remains strong.
The fate of Jolie remains unconfirmed, and no further details about Gaho’s passing have been verified. Fans continue to share mixed sentiments online, with some hoping G-Dragon will address the issue to restore trust.
Ongoing Discussions
The pet controversy has sparked broader conversations about celebrity pet ownership. Animal rights advocates have used the case to highlight the importance of responsible pet care, especially for public figures. A netizen commented,
Celebrities need to set an example. Pets aren’t props for photoshoots.
The issue has also raised questions about the role of family-run businesses in pet care. The pension’s management has been criticized, with some suggesting G-Dragon should have overseen the dogs’ care more closely.
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For now, the controversy remains a topic of heated debate on platforms like X, with no resolution in sight. G-Dragon’s silence and the unverified claims about Gaho’s death continue to drive public interest and criticism.
CREDITS: Pannchoa
