The consumption of dog meat in South Korea, also known as "Gaegogi" (Korean: 개고기), has a long history. However, in recent years, it has been controversial both in South Korea and around the world, due to animal rights and sanitary concerns. On July 17 South Korean President Moon Jae-in's dog, Tory, become the face of a canine adoption and protection campaign that launched in Seoul, urging people to not eat dogs.
President Moon Jae-in's dog -Tory
The campaign is led by Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE), and starts during the first day of Bok Nal or the three hottest days in the year, according to the Korean lunar calendar. During this time, some South Koreans traditionally eat dog meat soup (“boshintang”) in the belief that it helps beat the summer heat.
A poster showing before and after adoption images of Tory, including Tory being held by President Jae-in Moon, is being used in the campaign. Countless stuffed dog toys were laid in a large love heart in a public space in Seoul. The plush dogs held love hearts that read “I’m not food.” Stalls were set up around the public display to educate onlookers on the cruelty of the dog meat trade.
"President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook said they are very glad and happy because Tory has totally changed. He looked anxious and sad when he first came to them but now he looks very happy and bright." says Park So-Youn, president of Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE).
A poster showing before and after adoption images of Tory, including Tory being held by President Jae-in Moon, is being used in the campaign. Countless stuffed dog toys were laid in a large love heart in a public space in Seoul. The plush dogs held love hearts that read “I’m not food.” Stalls were set up around the public display to educate onlookers on the cruelty of the dog meat trade.
"President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook said they are very glad and happy because Tory has totally changed. He looked anxious and sad when he first came to them but now he looks very happy and bright." says Park So-Youn, president of Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE).
Tory was a rescue dog adopted by President Moon Jae-in last year, delivering on a campaign promise to boost awareness of the fast-growing numbers of abandoned animals accompanying a surge in pet ownership. The black mixed breed became the first shelter dog to attain the title of First Dog, joining Moon's two other pets, a Korean-breed Pungsan dog called Maru and a former stray cat, Jjing-jing.
"First Dog Tori had been abandoned, abused, and raised to be eaten before he was rescued. So we organised this doll exhibition to let people know that dogs are not a dish on a table but living creatures that needs love and care." says also Park So-Youn.
"As a person who has a dog, I feel sorry that so many dogs are abandoned and raised to be eaten. I hope that, through today's event, such situations for dogs will no longer exist." says Kim Ku-Seul, participant in the event.
Durring the event people also signed up for dog adoption. Proceeds from the toys which cost 30,000 won ($27) each, will be put towards rescuing abused or abandoned dogs, said CARE.
"First Dog Tori had been abandoned, abused, and raised to be eaten before he was rescued. So we organised this doll exhibition to let people know that dogs are not a dish on a table but living creatures that needs love and care." says also Park So-Youn.
"As a person who has a dog, I feel sorry that so many dogs are abandoned and raised to be eaten. I hope that, through today's event, such situations for dogs will no longer exist." says Kim Ku-Seul, participant in the event.
Durring the event people also signed up for dog adoption. Proceeds from the toys which cost 30,000 won ($27) each, will be put towards rescuing abused or abandoned dogs, said CARE.
Author: Alexandra Taseva
Video: Alexandra Taseva
Video: Alexandra Taseva
