As you know, I adore Korea’s new president, Lee Jae-myung. It’s been almost two months since he took office, and everything he’s done so far has delighted me beyond words. I always believed he would be a president for ordinary people like myself, but he’s already gone above and beyond. He’s a tireless worker, setting a relentless pace that even his officials must keep up with.
Just this week, in response to Korea’s dire economic situation and the alarming number of small businesses—restaurants and mom-and-pop shops—closing over the past year, President Lee ordered the distribution of prepaid vouchers to all citizens. The vouchers range from 150,000 won (about $110) to 400,000 won (about $300), depending on income. They’re meant to be used only at small businesses, with restrictions on large retailers, online shopping malls, food delivery apps, and anything related to gambling.
The opposition has criticized this measure, but, frankly, the previous corrupt administration spent even more on questionable projects, without helping any of the struggling citizens. Everyone around me is as happy as a lark to receive this small financial support; it means being able to buy meat (expensive in Korea), fruit (apples in Korea cost as much as soju in the U.S.), and clothes. This not only boosts the economy but also helps keep small businesses afloat.
Today, though, I want to share another side of President Lee: his compassion for animals. He’s well known for his courage in banning the dog meat trade and shutting down dog slaughterhouses at Moran Market, once the largest such facility in Korea, during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam. The issue of dog meat has long been contentious in Korea, with debates over morality, animal rights, and environmental impact. In 2016, Lee, an advocate for animal rights, struck an agreement with market owners to end the slaughter of dogs for meat, paving the way for the facility’s closure and helping business owners transition to new livelihoods.
Now, just look at this video. In Korea, stray cats, except a rare few friendlier ones who were abandoned, are too wary to approach people. Yet, while Lee was campaigning for president a few months ago, this stray cat suddenly appeared and walked straight toward him, catching everyone on his team by surprise. Watch how the cat calmly stays by his side as Lee gently strokes its fur. People often say animals instinctively know who the good humans are, and this sweet stray cat surely sensed it.
And as a bonus for you animal lovers like me, here’s a photo of Lee with his dog Bobby, a Maltese and now the “First Dog” of Korea.
