Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in likely to give up dogs gifted by Kim Jong-un

Former President of South Korea Moon Jae-in has claimed he intends to part with a pair of dogs that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gifted as a present. He and the current administration disagree about who would pay for caring for the dogs, which appears to be the reason for the decision. Following a summit in 2018, the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gave the canines to former president of South Korea Moon Jae-in.

After Moon left office in May, the canines were still in his custody, but it now appears that they will be given back to the state. Gomi and Songgang, two white Pungsan dogs, are officially recognized as state property housed in the presidential archives.

However, Moon's office said that, in an unprecedented move, he was able to continue serving as their caretaker after he departed his position.


According to reports, there was an arrangement with the interior ministry that allowed for the state money to be used to cover supplies and costs associated with caring for the animals.



According to local media, the monthly costs are 2.5 million won.

However, Moon's office claims this accord failed due to "unexplained opposition" from President Yoon Suk-yeol's government. Former President Moon's office posted on Facebook that "the presidential office seems to be against delegating the management of the Pungsan dogs to him."

The office of Yoon has denied interfering; asserting that it was not involved and those talks with the appropriate agencies are still going on.

FAQs:

1. What is the maintenance monthly costs for the dogs?
   The monthly costs for the dogs are 2.5 million won.
2. When did the leader Kim Jong-un gift the dogs?
   Kim Jong-un gifted the dogs to President following a summit in 2018.