'Mun Ban-nap Pungsangae' 150 Million Won Budget, Ultimately Canceled

Gwangju City Withdraws Plan Amid Controversy

Former President Moon Jae-in’s Pungsan dogs, 'Gomi' and 'Songgang', which he raised and later returned to the government, were set to be managed with a budget of 150 million KRW by Gwangju Metropolitan City, but the city ultimately withdrew the plan amid controversy over 'wasteful use of taxpayers' money.'

On the 20th, Gwangju City announced, as reported by kbc Gwangju Broadcasting the previous day, that "Although 150 million KRW was allocated in the first supplementary budget of this year for the 'Presidential Gift Management Plan,' including the expansion and reinforcement of the breeding facilities for Gomi and Songgang and the purchase of medical equipment, it was finally decided not to submit the proposal."

It is understood that the decision was reversed following controversy over the 'excessive budget allocation' immediately after the budget details became public.

Former President Moon Jae-in is petting his dog at the Blue House residence. A photo released by the Blue House on SNS on February 12, 2021.
[Photo by Blue House]

Initially, Gwangju City planned to include a total of 150 million KRW in the first supplementary budget bill this year, including about 25 million KRW for purchasing a blood analyzer to manage the health of Gomi and Songgang.

The total cost of medical equipment to be introduced for health management was 50 million KRW. The detailed items included 25 million KRW for a blood analyzer, 22 million KRW for dental equipment and X-ray machines, and 3 million KRW for a microbial incubator. Additionally, 100 million KRW was to be spent on installing CCTV for theft prevention, creating a playground on the lawn, and expanding the indoor breeding facility.

Meanwhile, former President Moon returned these Pungsan dogs, which he had received as gifts from North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and raised at the Blue House, to the government last year. The ruling party criticized this move as 'abandonment.' Since the 9th of last month, Gomi and Songgang have been managed under consignment by the Gwangju Uchi Park Management Office.

Gwangju City stated, "We will consider ways to raise Gomi and Songgang healthily while minimizing costs as much as possible."