Share

Haechan meets Haechan: K-pop star honored with zoo namesake

Share

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fans of the K-pop group NCT 127 donated money in January to name a baby pudu at the Los Angeles Zoo after one of its members, Haechan (HECH’-ehn). This week, the human Haechan got to meet his namesake, snapping selfies with the little deer at his enclosure.

Pudu are found in various parts of South America. They’re considered one of the smallest deer species in the world. The adorable male pudu was born in late-December and became an internet sensation after the zoo shared his birth announcement on social media. That’s when NCT 127 fans decided he looked like Haechan and began calling him “Baby Haechan” online.

The zoo bestowed the name after NCT 127 fans raised $2,000 for the cause.

Haechan’s groupmate, Mark, translated for his friend and told The Associated Press he was thrilled.

“He actually knew about the pudu first from the fans,” Mark said, adding that his bandmate “feels very honored to be able to have that opportunity.”

Trending:
Prince Harry Named in Major Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Rapper

The group watched as the baby deer ate kale, leaves and roses. While honored, Haechan said he didn’t agree with fans that he looks like the pudu. But he added he eats like the animal a lot.

The South Korean group was in Los Angeles for a stop on its North American tour, which wraps up Sunday in Vancouver. Members, who go by their first names only, zipped around the zoo in a golf cart and stopped to visit with a porcupine before meeting up with the pudu.

“I feel like my younger me is coming out right now,” said Johnny. “I’m very excited, I can’t stop smiling. I saw all these animals coming here. We saw some porcupines, some turtles, excites me every time. I love zoos.”

The group performed in Los Angeles on Sunday night and threw out the first pitch at a Dodgers baseball game.

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
Share
The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter
The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.
Location
New York City




Conversation