South Korea passes law banning sale and production of dog meat
Rare bipartisan support 'highlights changing attitudes' as young people shun centuries-old tradition

South Korea has passed a law banning the breeding and slaughter of dogs for human consumption.
The bill, which passed on Tuesday with near unanimous support in parliament, will take effect after a three-year grace period. From 2027, those who breed, butcher, distribute or sell dog meat for human consumption could face up to three years in jail or a fine of up to 30 million won (£18,000). Eating dog meat itself will still be legal, however.
The legislation ends a centuries-old tradition that has become hugely controversial both domestically and around the world. CNN said the rare bipartisan support the bill received across South Korea's divided political landscape highlighted "how attitudes toward eating dog have transformed over the past few decades during the country's rapid industrialization".
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Government statistics show that there are more than 1,000 dog farms and about 1,600 restaurants selling dog meat dishes. Animal rights activists estimate that at the industry's peak nearly one million dogs were killed for human consumption each year.
Yet while dog meat stew, known as "boshintang", is considered a delicacy among some older South Koreans, a recent survey found that 93% of respondents had no intention of eating dog meat. With many other Asian countries outlawing the practice, increasing public opposition, fuelled by animal cruelty concerns, has sharpened over the years and sparked a "heated national debate", said Time.
Previous proposals to outlaw the practice have been stymied by fierce opposition from dog meat farmers and sellers, "who have even scuffled with police during protests" in November, reported the magazine.
Speaking to the BBC, some elderly farmers and restaurateurs said it would be difficult for them to switch livelihoods so late in life and they argued that, given the declining popularity among young people, the practice should be allowed to die out naturally over time.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - March 16, 2025
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - head games, skyfall, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about Musk's faulty spacecrafts
Cartoons Artists take on trading up, blowing up, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Russia's spies: skulduggery in Great Yarmouth
In the Spotlight 'Amateurish' spy ring in Norfolk seaside town exposes the decline of Russian intelligence
By The Week UK Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
North Korea (sort of) welcomes tourists again
Under the Radar 'Hermit kingdom' allows foreign visitors for the first time since 2020 – but only in limited areas
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The pressure of South Korea's celebrity culture
In The Spotlight South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron was laid to rest on Wednesday after an apparent suicide
By Abby Wilson Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published