Rosé and Hank: A Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Unexpected Stardom
The Unforeseen Path to Paw-renthood: Rosé's Canine Calling
From an early age, the multi-talented Rosé, known for her roles in Blackpink, as the face of Saint Laurent, and a burgeoning solo artist, envisioned herself as a dog owner. However, her demanding schedule always seemed to stand in the way. It wasn't until the global pandemic in 2020 brought an unexpected halt to her frenetic pace that the stars aligned. With a rare moment of respite during quarantine, Rosé decided it was the perfect time to fulfill her long-held aspiration of welcoming a furry companion into her life.
The Quest for a Companion: Finding Hank Amidst Global Success
Following a monumental year of international achievements with Blackpink, including their chart-topping single 'How You Like That' and headlining Coachella, Rosé found herself, like many others, engrossed in social media. Her journey to find a dog began not in pet stores, but through an extensive Instagram search, navigating through numerous foster and rescue accounts. It was during this digital quest that she encountered Hank, a seven-month-old mixed terrier puppy, whose story immediately captivated her. A personal meeting solidified their bond, and Rosé's heart was irrevocably captured, leading to Hank's adoption the very next day.
The Naming Saga: Hank's Celebrity-Inspired Moniker
Naming her new companion proved to be a delightful challenge for Rosé. For weeks, she deliberated with her Blackpink bandmates, tossing around various names like Bluey and Benji, but none felt quite right. The inspiration for 'Hank' struck her one morning, stemming from her admiration for actor Tom Hanks and his distinctive sign-offs, '-THanks,' on his Instagram posts. This creative spark led to the perfect name for her loyal companion, a choice that resonated deeply with her.
Hank's Meteoric Rise: From Rescue to Global Instagram Icon
Hank's official introduction to the world via Instagram was nothing short of sensational, amassing 40,000 followers within minutes. Today, this charming terrier boasts millions of followers, solidifying his status as one of the most followed celebrity dogs. Despite his internet fame, Hank maintains a refreshingly simple life. While Rosé navigates her busy tour schedule and Fashion Week commitments, Hank enjoys a tranquil existence in Seoul with the Park family, indulging in playful habits like sock-chewing and accompanying them to local coffee shops. Occasionally, he embraces the glamorous side of his 'rockstar' life, joining Rosé on set for photo shoots, including her notable appearance in Vogue Korea, even posing for his own cover shot, embodying the adage, "like mother, like son."
A Glimpse into Their World: The Dogue Questionnaire
Rosé and Hank offered an intimate look into their unique relationship by answering a 'Dogue' questionnaire. Rosé lauded Hank's unwavering loyalty, noting his insistence on the entire family staying together during walks. She humorously suggested Tom Hanks as his voice actor in a movie and revealed her "gentle parenting" approach, conversing with Hank in both Korean and English. Hank's quirky nickname, "Bbanky," naturally evolved. Rosé expressed her wish to take Hank everywhere, especially on flights, and shared his frequent presence at her Korean photo shoots. If she could tell him one thing, it would be her desire to spend every moment with him, believing he already understands her deep affection.
The Human and Canine Habits of a Star Dog
Hank exhibits surprisingly human-like behaviors, such as effectively communicating his desires for water or toys by scraping their respective containers. He thrives on family unity, appearing happiest when all four family members are together. Conversely, his most dog-like (and adorable) habit is his obsession with socks. Upon the family's return home, he eagerly removes their socks, guarding them as prized possessions, likely due to their comforting scents, often hiding them under his blankets. Hank's official name is Hank Park, and as a Taurus, he shares his birthday with Children's Day in Korea. His favorite toys are the family's socks, and he enjoys a clean diet of beef and chicken snacks. When asked about his worst habit, Hank's confident reply was, "I'm perfect. I have no bad habits," though the family might playfully disagree about his sock-collecting tendencies, which he finds perfectly normal.