Park So-yeon "Will Step Down as 'Care' CEO and Return as Activist"

Soyeon Park, former CEO of Care / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lim Juhyung] Park Soyeon, the former head of the animal rights organization 'Care,' who was prosecuted on charges of euthanizing animals, has expressed her intention to return as an activist.

On the 23rd, Park, through her Facebook, stated, "During the year and a little over since the euthanasia incident broke out, despite facing numerous controversies, I could not easily step down from the position of representative due to the heavy responsibility I felt towards Care," adding, "I judged that if I stepped down immediately at that time, maliciously distorted materials and rumors would strangle Care and make things difficult."

She further added, "I believe it is my responsibility to clarify that the limited euthanasia Care carried out was not because of money but solely a better choice for the animals."

Although she is stepping down from the position of Care's representative, she expressed her intention to remain as an activist. Park said, "I will now return as an activist" and "I will help Care and the animals."

Earlier, on December 27 last year, the Criminal Division 3 of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Park Seungdae) indicted Park without detention on charges including violation of the Animal Protection Act. Park is accused of euthanizing about 250 animals rescued by Care due to a lack of shelter space.