Who Will Care for "Tori," the Beloved Dog Sought by Yoon Until the End, After Kim Keonhee’s Detention?

Six Dogs and Five Cats Remain at Seocho-dong Residence
Pets Legally Classified as Property, Under Security Service Oversight
Kim's Associates Voluntarily Take Charge of Care

With both former President Yoon Sukyeol and former First Lady Kim Keonhee now in custody, renewed attention is being paid to the management of their pets. According to a report by Yonhap News on the 17th, the pets are currently staying at the couple's Acrovista residence in Seocho-dong, Seoul, and are being cared for directly by Kim's close associates.

During his presidency, the couple kept several dogs and cats, and after leaving office, it is known that all 11 pets (six dogs and five cats) were brought to their Seocho-dong home. These pets are currently being looked after by Kim's aides, who previously assisted her at the presidential office and at Covana Contents, by taking turns visiting the residence.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol and First Lady Kim Keonhee are looking at retriever puppies at the Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance Guide Dog School in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, in 2022.

Former President Yoon's affection for his pets is widely recognized. Just before his arrest, he reportedly said, "I need to see Tori," and in May, during a temporary release, he was seen going out with his dog. Since 2012, Yoon has raised Tori, whom he adopted from an animal rescue organization.

However, with the unprecedented situation of both a former president and first lady being detained at the same time, there were reportedly ongoing discussions within the Presidential Security Service regarding the care of their pets. The Presidential Security Act stipulates the protection of "the life and property of the person under protection." Legally, pets are considered property. Nevertheless, there was debate over whether the security service should be responsible for caring for the pets as well.

For now, the controversy appears to have subsided with Kim's associates voluntarily taking care of the animals. However, some of these associates are currently being investigated as witnesses or suspects in cases related to Kim, raising uncertainty about the stability of the pets' care in the future.

Security at the Seocho-dong residence where the couple lived will continue to be maintained. The security service plans to gradually reduce the number of personnel, but a minimum presence will remain to monitor for possible intrusions. There is precedent for this: when former President Park Geunhye was imprisoned, security at her Samseong-dong residence was maintained for a certain period.

Regardless of whether their sentences are finalized, the couple will remain under the protection of the Presidential Security Service until 2035.