Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol hugging his pet dog 'Tori'. / Photo by Former Prosecutor General Yoon's Instagram capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, known as a dog lover, failed to provide a clear answer on the issue of dog meat consumption, prompting his intra-party rival, former lawmaker Jang Sung-min, to criticize him.
On the 12th, former Prosecutor General Yoon appeared on the 'All Day Live Broadcast' talk show and talked about pets.
He briefly introduced how he came to raise four dogs, including 'Tori,' adopted from a stray dog center, and three cats. He then explained, "My father liked dogs. As far as I remember, we had a dog at home when I was 2 or 3 years old, and my wife also raised dogs from a very young age."
Professor Seo Min of Dankook University, who appeared as a panelist that day, began by calling it "a long-standing wish of dog lovers" and asked additional questions about the 'dog meat consumption issue.' Earlier, Yoon's campaign team had told JoongAng Ilbo on the 4th that "we are currently discussing pet-related policies together with the Korean Veterinary Medical Association."
However, Yoon avoided a direct answer, saying, "Since it is a matter related to other people's choices, I cannot speak carelessly..." This response made it difficult for Yoon to avoid criticism that there was a gap between this and the image he had cultivated as 'Tori's dad.'
In response, former lawmaker Jang, a presidential candidate within the party, posted on his Facebook that day, directly criticizing Yoon's remarks by saying, "One wonders if this is truly what a genuine dog lover should say."
He continued, "As a dog lover, I firmly oppose the consumption of dog meat," and pointed out, "In a culturally advanced nation entering a civilized society, to not oppose dog meat consumption and leave it as a matter of choice is not something a dog lover should say."
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