Actor Kim Min-kyo's 80s Patient Dies During Treatment After Being Bitten by Pet Dog... Kang Hyung-wook Says "All Pets Should Be Raised Indoors"

Actor Kim Min-kyo. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-ho] An elderly woman in her 80s who was receiving treatment after being bitten by actor Kim Min-kyo's pet dog has passed away.

On the 4th, the Gwangju Police Department in Gyeonggi Province announced that Ms. A, who was hospitalized after being bitten by Kim Min-kyo's pet dog, died during treatment in the early morning of the 3rd.

Meanwhile, a past statement by animal trainer Kang Hyung-wook regarding the incident has been circulating.

Kang Hyung-wook previously appeared on CSB's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show" and spoke about the accident involving Kim Min-kyo's pet dog.

At that time, he said, "It is advisable to raise all pet dogs indoors, and the phrase 'My dog doesn't bite' is meaningless. Kim Min-kyo's dog is presumed to have been raised outdoors."

He continued, "In such cases, even the owner cannot fully understand their dog's habits. For dogs raised outside, the owner only meets the dog when feeding or playing, so they cannot know the dog's emotions or how it lives," adding, "Therefore, in these cases, the owner's claim that 'My dog doesn't bite people' loses its meaning."

Furthermore, he said, "I hope all dogs are raised indoors, and if they cannot be raised indoors, they should not be kept at all," emphasizing his strong opinion.

Animal trainer Kang Hyung-wook. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the deceased was bitten by two of Kim Min-kyo's pet dogs on May 4th while picking wild greens in a garden, sustaining injuries to her thighs and both arms, and was transported to the hospital. Kim Min-kyo's two dogs are Belgian Shepherds, a herding breed, weighing over 20 kg each. It is reported that at the time of the incident, the dogs were not wearing leashes or muzzles. The dogs reportedly jumped over a fence after seeing a roe deer and then attacked the deceased upon encountering her.

Regarding the incident, Kim Min-kyo said, "An accident that should never have happened occurred. My wife, upon learning of the dog bite incident, immediately accompanied the grandmother to the emergency room, and after finishing filming, I also went to the emergency room to meet the family. Despite our deep apologies, the grandmother's family, who have always cared for us, were instead worried about us, which made us feel even more sorry."

Additionally, Kim Min-kyo stated, "The grandmother is currently undergoing inpatient treatment for her wounds at the hospital, and as the dog's owner, I naturally take responsibility. To prevent such accidents from happening again, we are consulting with experts about education, foster care, or any other necessary measures for the dogs involved in the incident."

Finally, Kim Min-kyo apologized, saying, "I will take responsibility and stay with her until her treatment is complete. Going forward, I will ensure thorough education and management of my pets to prevent similar accidents. I deeply regret and apologize for the series of incidents."