▲ This image, provided by KBS, shows the TV broadcaster's variety program "Dogs Are Incredible," featuring renowned dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook (R). (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 21 (Yonhap) -- The controversy surrounding dog trainer Kang Hyung-wook, CEO of Bodeum Company, known for his nickname 'Dog President' due to his significant influence on domestic pet culture, continues to escalate amid workplace bullying allegations.

 

Despite allegations of Kang's habitual mistreatment of Bodeum Company employees, he has not yet made a statement, leading to further revelations. The controversy gained momentum after a review of Bodeum Company was posted on a job-seeking platform and reported by the media on the 18th.

 

The review, seemingly written last month, included claims such as, "After leaving this place (Bodeum Company), I had to keep visiting a psychiatrist (panic disorder, anxiety disorder, depression, etc.)" and "The CEO couple’s continuous gaslighting, character assassination, and extraneous demands led to severe mental deterioration."

 

The reviewer claimed that Bodeum Company management prohibited employees from installing KakaoTalk and required the use of a designated messenger, monitoring messages for any criticism. They also alleged that Kang forced employees to sign consent forms allowing him to monitor their messages.

 

Negative reviews of Bodeum Company are not isolated. A total of 25 reviews on the job-seeking platform have given the company a low average rating of 1.8 out of 5, with one-star reviews dating back to 2019.

 

These reviews had largely gone unnoticed until rumors of Bodeum Company's closure began to spread, leading to media coverage. Although the platform does not verify the employment of reviewers, new allegations have continued to emerge.

 

On the 20th, a YouTube user commented on one of Kang’s videos, claiming, "He ordered excessive errands on days off, directed heavy labor during heatwaves and snowstorms, humiliated and degraded people in front of pet owners, and much more."

 

Additionally, a post in an online community alleged that Kang instructed staff not to feed dogs if the owners delayed payment, leading to accusations of animal abuse.

 

Attempts by Yonhap News to contact Bodeum Company for Kang’s statement were unsuccessful, with calls going unanswered. The company has announced on its website that all pet education services will end by June 30.

 

As the situation escalated, KBS decided to cancel the broadcast of 'Dogs are Wonderful' scheduled for the 20th. This show features Kang as a regular cast member and airs every Monday evening. KBS has not yet decided whether to cancel next week’s episode or replace Kang, pending his statement.

 

Moreover, Kang has decided not to participate in the 'Dangdang Trekking 2024' event at High1 Resort in Jeongseon County, Gangwon Province, on the 25th-26th, and Bodeum Company has also withdrawn as a co-host.

 

The controversy over workplace bullying is expected to continue with further revelations until Kang makes a public statement. Despite his silence, Kang has continued to post videos on his YouTube channel, 'Kang Hyung-wook's Bodeum TV,' which has 2.1 million subscribers, suggesting he may address the allegations on YouTube or social media soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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