"Skinned Alive and Feathers Plucked"...Animal Groups Launch 'Anti-Fur' Campaign

Call to Choose Vegan Products Over Fur and Down

Animal protection groups are launching anti-fur campaigns during the middle of winter, when demand for fur and down products is at its highest.

In October 2025, vegan and animal protection groups held a press conference and picket protest in front of the Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Korea Animal Protection Alliance

On January 18, animal protection groups announced that they will hold a campaign titled "No Fur! No Down! Wear VEGAN!" in front of the Korea Press Center on January 20. The groups pointed out, "As autumn and winter arrive, many people prefer and purchase fur and down products," adding, "However, not many people are aware of the truth behind fur and down."

The groups explained that more than 100 million wild animals are killed for their fur every year worldwide. Of these, about 20% die after being trapped or snared in the wild, while the remaining 80% suffer a lifetime of abuse and exploitation on fur farms before being killed. They further claimed, "Eighty to ninety percent of the fur sold domestically is from China," and added, "Since Chinese fur farms lack proper slaughter facilities or equipment, wild animals are skinned alive."

They also stated, "When animals die, their bodies stiffen, making it difficult to remove the skin and damaging the quality of the fur," and added, "In China, even companion animals such as dogs and cats are killed and used for fur, and these dog and cat furs are imported and distributed domestically without any restrictions."

The groups claimed, "Every year, more than 1.5 billion birds are killed worldwide for down products," and added, "Furthermore, ducks and geese suffer from 'live plucking,' in which their feathers are pulled out while they are still alive in order to obtain down."

The groups also expressed skepticism about the RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification, which has recently been promoted in the fashion industry. They explained, "RDS certification gives the impression of 'responsible down,' but in reality, it does not eradicate animal cruelty," and added, "As long as monitoring and enforcement are inadequate, animal suffering will inevitably continue."

Animal protection groups emphasized the importance of choosing vegan products that do not harm animals instead of fur or down. The Korea Animal Protection Alliance urged consumers to choose vegan products that use cotton, polyester, Wellon, or Thinsulate as padding materials, stating that these vegan products are excellent in terms of warmth and quality compared to animal fur.