Order to Review Dog Meat Ban Met with Backlash from Yukgyeon Association Calling It "Absurd Remark"

Food Association: "Dog Meat Can Be Globalized Like Kimchi... The State Should Manage National Food"

Members of animal protection organizations, including the Korea Animal Protection Alliance, are performing a demonstration on the afternoon of the 28th at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, urging the government and the National Assembly to take measures in response to President Moon Jae-in's statement on considering a ban on dog meat consumption.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Amid reports that President Moon Jae-in has instructed a review of the ban on dog meat consumption, the Korea Dog Meat Association strongly opposed the move, calling it "nonsense."

On the morning of the 29th, Joo Young-bong, Secretary General of the Korea Dog Meat Association, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "The political circles and the public have been deceived by the lies of animal protection groups disguised to raise hundreds of billions in donations, and now even the president has been deceived, leading to a wrong outcome."

Regarding dog meat consumption, Secretary General Joo stated, "It is a long-standing history and culture, and it is a fact," adding, "Dogs raised for meat have been livestock since the Livestock Act was established and have always been considered livestock products. They have been bred and developed solely for consumption purposes. Now, it has become a full-time farming industry and is our proud unique tradition in the world."

He continued, "In the past, foreigners would run away when the kimchi jar was opened, but now it has become a global brand, and I confidently say that dog meat can be globalized as well," and added, "It is a premium animal protein and the only alternative to solve humanity's food shortage."

Regarding the controversy over dog meat consumption, Secretary General Joo argued, "If only meat dogs and pet dogs are distinguished and managed separately, all problems would be resolved. The issue arises because they are lumped together," and stated, "(Currently) only meat dogs are consumed, and we just need to manage those."

In response, Jo Hee-kyung, representative of Animal Freedom Coalition, who appeared on the show together, said, "We welcome the fact that the sitting president has recognized the issue of dog meat consumption," but countered, "I cannot agree with the claim that the Secretary General of the Dog Meat Association was deceived by lies. This is a civic movement, and animal activism is part of the process of establishing social justice. Trying to undermine the legitimacy of this movement repeatedly is practically impossible to deceive society completely."

Regarding the Dog Meat Association's claim that dog meat can be globalized, Representative Jo said, "Because it has never been openly accepted, many celebrities and socially responsible figures have not been able to admit they eat dog meat," and added, "Dogs have already changed their status globally and domestically as companion animals. When these beings are raised in factory farming systems, slaughtered cruelly, and served on the table, it causes emotional conflicts."

Meanwhile, Secretary General Joo stated, "Not all dogs are consumed for meat," and urged, "Please distinguish between meat dogs and pet dogs, and the president should apologize for neglecting food hygiene management for 43 years and ensure the safety management of the public's food."