South Korea’s former president is planning to return two dogs gifted to him by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
A Presidential Gift to South Korea
According to the BBC, former president Moon Jae-in made the decision after the federal government refused to foot the bill for the dogs’ care. Originally gifted in 2018, Gomi and Songgang, the two Pungsans—similar to the smaller Jindo breed—are officially state property, part of the presidential archives.
However, Mr. Moon’s office claims that he is unable to continue being their caretaker. Obviously, the two dogs’ health and well-being is imperative since they’re both government property. Amazingly, a local media outlet estimates that caring for the two pups costs about 2.5 million won ($1,800) every month.
Who Foots the Bill Now?
Formerly, an agreement with South Korea’s interior ministry reported that pet supplies and medical care could be included in the state budget. Now, disagreements with the current administration have eroded that plan. On Facebook, Mr. Moon’s office claimed that current President Yoon Suk-yeol’s office “seems to be negative toward entrusting the management of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon.” Continuing on, the post says, “If that’s the case, we can be cool about it, as such an entrustment is based on the goodwill of both sides … though ending it is regretful given they are companion animals he grew attached to.”
Surprisingly, President Yoon’s office denies any negative action on their part. Apparently, the discussion over who will take care of the two dogs hasn’t involved the current administration at all.
At the moment, the North Korean government hasn’t made any comment regarding the situation. Regardless, as Gomi and Sanggang are both government property, the situation will surely be resolved soon. Hopefully, the two dogs will continue to be under Mr. Moon’s care, who’s surely attached to them.
