'Pudding-i', Who Lost 9 Family Members in Muan Tragedy, Currently in Foster Care by Animal Organization

Wandering the Village While Waiting for Owner
Transferred to Seoul for Protection with Bereaved Family's Consent

The pet dog 'Pudding,' who lost nine family members in the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport in Jeollanam-do, was eventually rescued by an animal protection organization.

Pudding's owner was Ms. B, a five-year-old granddaughter of Mr. A (78), the eldest passenger on the ill-fated Jeju Air flight 7C2216 from Bangkok, Thailand, residing in Yongam Village, Gunnam-myeon, Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do. Ms. B was the only preschool child in the village. Mr. A and his wife, along with their two daughters, grandchildren, and relatives?three generations of the family?had gone on a family trip ahead of Mr. A's upcoming 80th birthday celebration when the accident occurred. For Ms. B, who had no peers her age, Pudding was more than a pet; he was her only friend.

After the accident, Pudding was seen wandering in front of Mr. A's house, waiting for his family. He roamed tirelessly around the village, watched passing cars and motorcycles, and lingered near the village hall, seemingly searching for his family.

The 5-year-old granddaughter of the oldest passenger who died in the Muan Jeju Air plane accident was raising a pet dog named Pudding. Animal rights organization CARE Instagram

Moved by this sight, villagers tried to take Pudding into their homes, but although he initially seemed to follow them, he ultimately returned to his own house, making it impossible to bring him along. In response, the animal rights organization CARE stepped in. On the 31st of last month, CARE announced via social media that they had rescued Pudding. After learning about Pudding's story through media reports and tips, and concerned for the dog left alone, CARE traveled to Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do. After a four-hour journey from Seoul, CARE arrived and immediately found Pudding quietly sitting outside the village hall, as if waiting for his family.

Pudding. Animal Rights Organization CARE Instagram

CARE stated, "We judged that Pudding wandering the village without a guardian was dangerous, so we rescued him," adding, "We also spoke with the bereaved family at the funeral home and decided that CARE would take care of him for now," sharing footage from the rescue. They further explained, "Pudding endlessly waited for his family and kept watching the cars entering the village. CARE will protect Pudding until an appropriate guardian appears."

On the way back to Seoul with Pudding, CARE shared another update in the comments. Pudding had vomited chicken bones, onions, and kimchi. CARE commented, "Filling Pudding's stomach without a home is not protection," and added, "Living without a guardian, like a stray dog without safety guarantees, is not appropriate. After consulting with the bereaved family, we decided to protect him in Seoul for the time being and discuss future plans."