The World Briefly

April 25, 2023

In the Doghouse

South Korea

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South Korean First Lady Kim Keon Hee has caused an uproar in the country this week after vowing to end the country’s controversial practice of eating dogs, the Korea Times reported.

Her remarks received support from both ruling and opposition parties, with lawmakers from each side proposing different bills that would outlaw the sale and consumption of canine meat.

But a group representing the dog meat industry criticized Kim’s statements, saying that the first lady should maintain neutrality and accused her of siding with animal rights groups. They noted that Kim and others are neglecting those working in the dog meat industry and that banning dog meat consumption is illogical.

They alleged that the comments and bills are an attempt to appeal to voters at a time when increasing numbers of Koreans keep pets, especially dogs.

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has previously said that eating dogs was a personal decision, subsequently reversed his stance and committed to banning dog meat consumption during his election campaign.

While cultural views toward animals are changing in South Korea, the country’s dog farms and dog meat restaurants continue to operate, especially on holidays.

This story originally appeared in the April 25, 2023 newsletter, The 100 Percenters.