South Korea's Moon Is Trying To Give Up The Dogs Given To Her By North Korea's Kim Jong Un

CNA

Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in is trying to give up two dogs given to him by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, citing a lack of support from Seoul, his office said on Monday. The white Pungsan dogs, a male named Songkang and a female named Gomi, were presented to Moon by Kim after their third summit in Pyongyang in September 2018 as a token of their budding friendship. 

The couple gave birth to seven puppies during Moon's presidency, and he had brought Songkang, Gomi and pup to his private residence after his tenure ended in May this year. Under the Presidential Records Act,  the dogs are legally state property that must be returned to the custody of the presidential archives, but an agreement  entrusting the three dogs to Moon was signed on the last day of his term, his office said in a statement. 

The agreement included  government support to cover the costs of keeping the dogs totaling 2.5 million won (US$1,800) per month, according to local reports. However, Moon's office said the deal has not gone through due to an objection from the presidential office of his successor, Yoon Suk-yeol, adding that Moon is willing to relinquish custody of his dogs. 

Given the progress made so far, the  Office of the President appears reluctant to entrust the management of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon," his office said in a statement. "If that's the case, then we can be honest," said, adding that Moon is willing to end his detention if the government comes up with a better management plan.

The plight of the bloodhounds sparked public concern and criticism, with social media users calling for the trio to be kidnapped. "Dogs are part of the family. How can you throw them out just for money?" asked a user. Another commented, "As someone who has a dog this is hard to understand."

If I could, I would keep the dogs. Known for their loyalty and intelligence, the Pungsan breed, a hunting dog with a thick creamy white coat, pointed ears and hazel eyes, is native to an area of ​​the same name. in the north.