Included in Newly Designated Investigation Targets, Re-discussion Scheduled
The Cultural Heritage Administration has postponed the designation of ‘Sosssaum’ (bullfighting) as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This is due to the strong opposition between claims that Sosssaum is a traditional culture and opinions that it constitutes animal abuse.
On the 29th, at the meeting of the Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee held at the National Palace Museum, the Cultural Heritage Administration announced, "After reviewing the plan to designate ‘Sosssaum’ as a national intangible heritage item, it was decided to conduct a preliminary academic investigation first and then discuss whether to proceed with the designation investigation based on the results."
Originally, ‘Sosssaum’ was included in the national intangible heritage designation investigation plan conducted by the Cultural Heritage Administration this year, and a value assessment was scheduled. However, due to ongoing petitions from animal and environmental groups urging the suspension of the Sosssaum designation investigation and concerns about continued controversy, the matter was discussed at this Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee meeting.
At the meeting, the committee members agreed that aspects such as the historicity and transmission agents of Sosssaum, its gambling nature, and potential issues of animal abuse should be thoroughly investigated and carefully examined. There were also opinions that similar cases like Spain’s bullfighting and Thailand’s cockfighting should be reviewed to understand how other countries view them and whether there are any issues under international treaty standards.
Last year, the Jeongeup Green Party conducted a survey of 802 men and women aged 18 and over nationwide, which showed that 51.4% responded that ‘Sosssaum should be abolished.’ Opinions supporting ‘preservation’ were 40.8%, and 7.9% answered ‘don’t know.’ Regarding local government budget support for Sosssaum, 60.9% opposed it, while 31.8% supported it, indicating more negative opinions.
However, there was not a significant difference in perception regarding whether Sosssaum constitutes animal abuse or is a traditional culture. The opinion ‘agreeing with the claim of animal abuse’ was 46.6%, slightly higher than the 44.1% who believed it is a tradition that should be preserved.
The Jeongeup Green Party stated, “Citizens recognize Sosssaum competitions as traditional culture, but seem to oppose maintaining Sosssaum with tax money. In particular, opposition to budget support was high across all regions and age groups. We will demand cuts to related budgets in regions where Sosssaum is held.”
The Korea Animal Protection Union has argued that Sosssaum is merely an act of animal abuse disguised as traditional culture and has demanded the deletion of the clause in Article 10 of the Animal Protection Act that exempts Sosssaum. Article 10 of the Animal Protection Act defines ‘acts causing injury to animals for purposes such as gambling, advertising, entertainment, or amusement’ as animal abuse and stipulates that ‘anyone who abuses animals shall be punished by imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won.’ However, there is an exception clause stating, ‘except in cases prescribed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for folk games, etc.,’ which means that Sosssaum organized by local governments is not subject to punishment.
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