Former South Korean leader rehomes Kim Jong Un’s dogs

In this October 2018 file photo supplied by the South Korean Presidential Blue House, South Korean President Moon Jae-in holds a white Pungsan dog named Gomi that was a present from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Blue House, Presidential, South Korea/AP

Seoul — Monday, his office announced that former South Korean president Moon Jae-in intends to return two canines gifted to him by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, claiming a lack of support from Seoul. The white Pungsan dogs, a male named Songkang and a female named Gomi, were presented to Moon by Kim as a symbol of their budding friendship following their third summit in Pyongyang in September 2018.

The pair had seven puppies under Moon’s administration, and he took Songkang, Gomi, and one of the puppies to his private residence in May of this year.

Under the Presidential Records Act, the canines are officially state property to be transferred to the care of the Presidential Archives. However, on the last day of Moon’s tenure, an agreement was struck transferring the three dogs to Moon, according to a statement from his office.

According to local sources, the arrangement contained a provision for government funding to cover the monthly costs of maintaining the canines, totaling 2.5 million won ($1,800).

Moon’s administration stated that the arrangement had not been implemented owing to objections from Yoon Suk-presidential yeol’s office, and that Moon was willing to relinquish custody of his pets.

“Considering the progress made thus far, the Presidential Office is hesitant to entrust former President Moon with the care of the Pungsan dogs,” his office stated in a statement.

“If such is the so, we can be candid about it,” the statement added, adding that Moon was willing to be released if the government had a better management plan.

The Presidential Office refuted Moon’s assertions, stating that key ministries were still engaged in discussions.

The situation of the hounds sparked an outpouring of public concern and criticism, with social media users expressing a desire to adopt the three animals.

“Dogs are members of the family. How can they be thrown away for basic financial reasons? “said one user.

Another remarked: “As someone who owns a dog, I find this difficult to comprehend. If possible, I would take the dogs.”

North Korean Pungsan hunting dogs donated by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to the late founder of the Unification Church, Sun Myung Moon, at the church’s global headquarters in Gapyeong, northeast of Seoul, on February 13, 2016. ED JONES/AFP/Getty

The Pungsan breed, a hunting dog with a thick, creamy white coat, pointed ears, and hazel eyes, is native to a region of the same name in the North. It is known for its intelligence and loyalty.

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