Broadcaster Noh Hong Chul is drawing attention after posting photos taken with a lion in Africa, as allegations surfaced that the animal may have been sedated.
A travel agency specializing in African tours recently uploaded a photo of Noh posing behind a sleeping lion, questioning the situation. The account claimed, “Does this lion look normal to you? No matter how you try to package it as a fairy-tale moment with a sleeping lion, this animal appears to be drugged.”
The post further alleged that lions in such tourist settings are often injected with tranquilizers or sedatives, which leave them lethargic and unresponsive. It urged viewers to pay attention to the lion’s eyes and behavior, arguing that physical contact with wild predators — including touching or walking alongside them — is not possible under natural conditions without chemical intervention.
The account also referenced the 2015 documentary 'Blood Lions', which exposed alleged practices in parts of Africa involving drugging lions under the guise of conservation or orphanage programs. The documentary linked such operations to the controversial “canned hunting” industry, in which captive-bred lions are later hunted.
Previously, Noh had shared videos on his own social media showing himself touching a lion resting in a tree, lying behind it, and walking alongside it. He captioned the posts with phrases such as “Touching the fur of a sleeping lion” and “Aiming for a good end,” sparking surprise among viewers.
Following the allegations, online reactions have been divided. Some criticized the broader practice of sedating wild animals for tourism, questioning ethical standards and awareness of animal rights. Others argued that Noh may not have been aware of any alleged drug use and suggested it is unclear whether he knowingly participated in unethical activities.
As debate continues, the incident has reignited broader discussions about wildlife tourism, animal welfare, and the responsibilities of public figures when sharing such experiences on social media.
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