[On-site Video] "Should Not Eat" vs "No Need to Ban" President Moon's Remarks on 'Dog Meat Ban' and Public Reactions

[Asia Economy Reporters Seunggon Han, PD Jingeun Yoon] "It doesn't seem like something the government should intervene in..." , "I support the ban on dog meat consumption."

As it became known that President Moon Jae-in said during his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum on the 27th, "Isn't it time to carefully consider banning dog meat consumption?" a fierce debate over the pros and cons of banning dog meat consumption has erupted.

Some citizens expressed opinions that the choice should be left to individuals to decide for themselves, while others view it as a belated but welcome move.

On the afternoon of the 28th at the Seoul Station waiting room, citizen A (23) said, "I think we should leave room for choice rather than outright opposing eating it," adding, "If dog meat consumption is banned, many people working in dog meat distribution or restaurants will lose their jobs."

Citizen B (32) said, "I also raise a dog, but I don't think the government should strongly regulate personal dietary habits," emphasizing, "Whether someone wants to eat it or not, I think personal freedom should be respected."

Another office worker C (26) expressed support for banning dog meat consumption, saying, "Since dogs are often raised as companion animals, I hope people don't eat dog meat because the perception is worse compared to eating other meats."

Meanwhile, an expert emphasized that banning dog meat consumption can promote animal rights. Yoonjung Choi, an activist from Animal Rights Action Kara, said, "(The ban on dog meat consumption) is late to be discussed now, but it is a welcome development," adding, "Ending dog meat consumption cannot be achieved by individuals or protection groups alone. Slaughterhouses, dog farms, dog meat auctions, and Bosintang restaurants form a distribution network with various connections. Removing this network is a task for the government and the state."

She also suggested, "When Kara conducted a full survey of dog farms in Gyeonggi Province in 2020, half of the operators wanted to close their businesses but were often at a loss about what to do next," recommending, "The state should step in and find solutions for those involved."