Broadcaster Noh Hong-chul's Africa travel photo sparked controversy over animal abuse. Noh Hong-chul posted a photo with a lion on his social media, along with the caption, "Touching the tip of a sleeping lion's fur. #TowardsHoSang #AgingAsPlanned..." In the photo, Noh Hong-chul is smiling and posing next to the sleeping lion. Some netizens pointed out that his behavior contradicts his usual image and even suggested the possibility of AI synthesis.

The controversy expanded after the post was criticized by a travel agency specializing in African tours. The agency claimed, "Does this lion look normal to you? Even if you try to romantically portray it as a sleeping lion, this lion is drugged," explaining that the reason the lion can be touched and walked beside with sleepy eyes is due to drug injections. They stated that a sedative or tranquilizer was administered to the lion, rendering it lethargic.

In this context, they referenced the 2015 documentary "Blood Lion," which exposed cases of hundreds of lions being drugged annually for the tourism industry and dying prematurely. The travel agency targeted Noh Hong-chul's post and the accommodation he stayed at in Tanzania, warning, "The terrible truth about this accommodation will be an embarrassing record to post on Instagram."

As Noh Hong-chul's post spread, various reactions emerged among netizens. Some criticized, saying, "How far can human ugliness go?" and others commented on the low awareness of animal rights. On the other hand, there were defending opinions such as, "Noh Hong-chul probably didn't know about the drug administration."

Additionally, many comments on Noh Hong-chul's post expressed envy and asked, "Where can you have this kind of experience?" However, as concerns about animal abuse grew, numerous critical comments questioned, "Is it right to take photos next to a drugged lion?"

Noh Hong-chul recently shared news of his successful Kilimanjaro climb, revealing his current stay in Africa. However, this controversy led to criticism that he overlooked serious issues regarding the lion's safety and welfare under the pretext of bonding with the animal.

The accommodation is a safari-style lodge located near Tanzania's Kilimanjaro National Park, where wild animals such as giraffes and zebras are freely observed around the area. However, some travel reviews raised concerns, noting that "the animals' movements are excessively sluggish."

Although specific facts about the administration of sedatives have not been confirmed, ethical issues surrounding commercial wildlife experiences continue to be a subject of controversy. This incident is expected to trigger in-depth discussions about the relationship between animal rights and the tourism industry.