[Yongsan Report] "Only 13 First Pets"... Yoon's Companion Animal Politics

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President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are seen enjoying holding an Alabai, the national dog of Turkmenistan, after a friendly luncheon with former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, the country's Supreme Leader and Chairman of the People's Council, and his spouse at a hotel in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on the 11th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The number of 'First Pets' belonging to President Yoon Seok-yeol, known as a 'renowned pet owner,' has increased to 13. In addition to the pets he already had, the record for the most First Pets of any president was broken again with the addition of two Alabai dogs, the national dogs of Turkmenistan, gifted during his recent state visit there. President Yoon, who has been accompanied by pets during times of crisis before and after his election, showcased 'pet politics' during his first overseas trip of the year amid a difficult political situation following a crushing defeat in the general election.

President Yoon's love for animals dates back to before his election. According to close aides, the Yoon couple, who have no children, have cared for four dogs (Tori, Narae, Mari, Sunny) and three cats (Agengi, Nabi, Norangi) like their own children since living in their home in Seocho-gu.

Among them, the most well-known is Tori, a dog President Yoon adopted in 2012 through an abandoned dog protection organization. Tori had suffered a crushed fracture in his hind leg due to a traffic accident, but President Yoon treated and raised him over a long period. A famous anecdote is that when Yoon was suspended for two months in 2020 during his tenure as Prosecutor General due to conflicts with the administration, he was spotted walking with Tori the very next day.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee appeared on the SBS program 'TV Animal Farm' on May 28 last year, revealing their life with their pets at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

After being elected president, within less than a year, the number of First Pets quickly rose to 11 with the adoption of a stray dog named Ollie, stray cats Kiwi and Hayangi, and a retired guide dog named Saerom. Notably, in May last year, President Yoon and First Lady Kim Keon-hee made a surprise appearance on the popular program 'TV Animal Farm,' drawing attention. Typically, national leaders use animals to build emotional rapport with citizens and create a friendly image, and President Yoon is noted for frequently appearing with animals.

First Lady Kim, who recently returned to official activities after a period of low profile amid various controversies, has also steadily engaged in animal protection activities, enhancing her presence. The law banning dog meat consumption, passed by the National Assembly, is even called the 'Kim Keon-hee Law' due to her well-known love for animals. At the opening event of the Yongsan Children's Garden Environmental and Ecological Education Center on the 5th, her first solo activity since her 'comeback,' she highlighted a friendly image by mentioning her pet dog Saerom and kittens born to a rescued stray cat.

While some opposition parties criticize the Yoon couple's activities as 'political show,' insiders at the presidential office view them as having a significant positive effect. A presidential office official stated regarding the Alabai dogs that arrived on the 18th, "President Yoon and First Lady Kim have consistently conveyed messages about animal life and love for animals," adding, "We will take the best possible measures." The presidential office is also considering an unprecedented public reveal of the First Dogs, the Alabai.