In the history of K-pop, the competition between fandoms has always been known as fierce. From album sales and MV views to chart achievements, any number can become a battlefield to prove the power of idols and their fan communities. Now, that race has even expanded into a field few would expect: the title of the most-followed pet.

Jungkook’s Bam and BLACKPINK Rosé’s Hank are now at the center of this controversy!

First introduced in the series In the SOOP in 2021, Bam became a familiar Doberman to ARMYs and was even loved by many non-fans. In 2024, Jungkook decided to create an Instagram account for his beloved dog, sharing adorable daily moments of him like a father wanting to show off his child.

The official Bam's account quickly attracted more than 1 million followers in just a few days, and after one year, it has reached 7.7 million followers.

Meanwhile, Hank is a terrier mix puppy that Rosé adopted in 2020 after seeing him on a rescue center’s social media. Right after adopting Hank, Rosé introduced him to fans by creating a new Instagram account.

From just 40,000 followers within the first 30 minutes, the pup now has about 4.6 million followers. In the special pet edition interview, titled DOGUE, between Rosé and Vogue, the idol shared about the dog and the special bond between the two of them.

Neither of these dogs would have been dragged into a competition—since they are equally adorable—if Vogue had not published incorrect information about the title of “most-followed dog on Instagram” in that interview. Specifically, in the article “How Rosé’s Dog Hank Went From Rescue Pup to Instagram’s Most Followed Dog” released on the 14th of this month, fans noticed the title and description by the renowned magazine stating: “Today, the terrier mutt has 4.6 million, putting him at the top of the leaderboard for the most followed celebrity dog.”

However, this is completely different from the figures shown on the Instagram accounts of the two dogs. Clearly, looking at the current follower counts, @bowwow_bam has significantly more followers than Hank (about 3 million more).

Some fans pointed out that Bam is not only the most-followed celebrity dog but also the second most-followed pet worldwide, only after Jiffpom (around 8.9 million followers).

Comments also emphasized that such inaccurate data undermines the credibility of Vogue, suggesting this is an example of how the media “forgets” to acknowledge Jungkook and Bam’s achievements, even though the information could have been easily verified before being added to such a widely circulated article.

On X (Twitter), many fans spoke out strongly:

- Are we stealing dog’s records as well?? Also, JK’s Bam is the second most followed pet overall after Jiffpom. Rose’s Hank is NOWHERE ON TOP. STOP LYING @voguemagazine

- Bam is the most followed dog in Instagram what are they even talking about?

- the vogue interview talking about most followed dog overall which hank or bam ain’t. What’s wrong with Vogue? But at least Bam is the most-followed celebrity dog, so the headline and description about Hank are completely incorrect.

- Our Bammie won’t loose to any insta puppy, cause his dad is way cool! There was a precious pumpkin called Yeontannie, he would be able to challenge Bam, but we ℓσѕт him, sadly

- I wonder how much Chinse paid v0gu3 to publish that article and spread that misinformation.

- Vogue do you not have any credibility left? Why are you doing this? You don’t have newsworthy stories now you’re making soмєтнing up that is easily verifiable? Get your sh1t together 

- this is not the first time she steals Jungkook record, is it a hobby?

- Vogue, please fact-check before publishing. Bam has 7.7M followers, Hank has 4.6M. How is Hank the ‘most-followed celebrity dog’? This is embarrαѕѕing.

- The media needs to be held accountable for spreading misinformation! @voguemagazine. Correct the title! BAM, the dog of Global Pop Superstar, JUNG KOOK, is the most followed celebrity dog on Instagram, with 7.7 MILLION followers!

- It always feels like Jungkook’s achievements get downplayed. Even his dog’s popularity can’t be acknowledged properly? Unreal.

- Since when was 4.6M greater than 7.7M? .@voguemagazine. Besides being wrong on the celebrity pets ranking, you also did no research on the #1 pet account overall on IG not being Rosé's dog account either

- Stop dragging the dogs into this fandom war. Both Bam and Hank are cute, but Vogue spreading false info is what created unnecessary drama.

- ARMYs are not mad at Rosé or Hank. The issue is Vogue giving Hank a title that rightfully belongs to Bam. Give credit where it’s due