"Reflecting South Korea's Changing Perceptions After the Impoverished Korean War (6·25)"
On the 9th, as a bill banning dog meat consumption was passed, major foreign media outlets reported on it in real time, describing the legislation as reflecting a shift in Korean society's awareness.
A BBC reporter is reporting the passage of the 'Dog Meat Consumption Ban Law' in front of a bosintang restaurant in Jongno, Seoul. [Image source=BBC news screen capture]
On the same day, the National Assembly passed a special law prohibiting the breeding or raising of dogs for consumption, slaughtering dogs, and distributing or selling foods made from dogs or dog-derived ingredients.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) emphasized, "South Korea has built global soft power over the past several years through dazzling pop stars, innovative technology, and trendy foods. However, for decades, dog meat consumption has been a social sore and a target of external criticism, receiving international attention at Korea’s most notable moments, starting with the 1988 Seoul Olympics."
A CNN reporter covering the passage of the 'Dog Meat Ban Law' at a pet-friendly cafe in Korea. [Image source=CNN news screen capture]
U.S. CNN reported, "This legislation ends the long-standing national debate over the tradition of eating dog meat," adding, "The bill received bipartisan support despite Korea’s divided political landscape and clearly illustrates how attitudes toward eating dogs have changed over the past decades amid Korea’s rapid industrialization."
CNN cited a 2022 Gallup poll showing that 64% of respondents opposed dog meat consumption, a significant increase from 37% seven years earlier. It also reported that the percentage of people who had eaten dog meat in the past year dropped from 27% to 8% over the same period, providing detailed coverage.
Notably, CNN highlighted this news from a pet-friendly caf? in Korea, emphasizing the deeply rooted culture of viewing dogs as companion animals rather than food.
The New York Times (NYT) reported that dog meat consumption had been practiced for decades since the Korean War, a time of poverty and meat shortages, but gradually declined in the late 20th century as interest in pets and animal welfare steadily increased. It cited a 2023 survey by the animal welfare research institute Aware, stating that 93% of Korean adults said they have no intention of eating dog meat in the future, noting that many Koreans, including younger generations, now view dog meat negatively.
The Animal Welfare National Assembly Forum and the People's Action for the End of Dog Meat Consumption held a press conference in front of the National Assembly on the 9th to welcome the enactment of the Special Act to End Dog Meat Consumption. [Image source=Yonhap News]
BBC UK visited a Bosintang restaurant in Jongno, Seoul, interviewing an octogenarian customer and then a 20-year-old student opposing dog meat consumption. The report focused on the "generation gap," noting that while Bosintang is considered a delicacy among some elderly people, it is no longer popular among younger generations.
However, the Associated Press (AP) noted, "Some angry dog breeders have announced plans to challenge the constitutionality of the bill and hold protest rallies, signaling that heated debates over the ban continue," highlighting the remaining complexities within Korean society.
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