Seoul, December 20, 2025
Pet Politics: south Korea Debates Which Ministry should Oversee Companion Animals
A growing debate over the proper government oversight of pets is unfolding in South Korea, with President Lee Jae-myung raising the issue in recent work reports and prompting a response from the Prime Minister.
- President Lee Jae-myung questioned whether companion animals should fall under the purview of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family.
- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok suggested creating a task force to address the issue, acknowledging the current lack of clear policy.
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs currently oversees companion animals, but its suitability is being challenged.
- Discussions are underway regarding the potential establishment of an Animal Welfare Promotion Agency.
The question of which government ministry should be responsible for pets is gaining traction in South Korea. President lee Jae-myung first brought the topic to the forefront during a work report for the Ministry of Gender equality and Family on Friday, December 19th, sparking a wider conversation about the appropriate level of care and regulation for companion animals.
A Shifting View of Pets
“Recently, when there was talk of creating an ‘Animal Welfare Promotion Agency,’ there was talk about where to place this organization, ‘It should be placed in the ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs,’ and ‘It should be placed in the Ministry of Health and Welfare,'” President Lee stated. “I understood it up to this point, but some people said that (companion animals) should go to the Ministry of Gender equality and Family because they are ‘family members.'” He directly asked Minister Won Min-kyung for her thoughts on shifting responsibility to the Ministry of Gender equality and Family.
Minister won Min-kyung offered a cautious response, stating, “I think there are many people who think of pets as an expanded concept of family.” President Lee pressed further,asking if the Ministry of Gender equality would accept the agency if the public desired it. Minister Won responded,”If the people wont it,we should do it.”
What government ministry should oversee companion animals in South Korea? The debate centers on whether pets should be viewed as agricultural commodities, health concerns, or as integral members of the family. President Lee, again prioritizing “pets” as his first question. He inquired about the location of the Animal Welfare Promotion agency and the resolution of the debate regarding whether companion animals should be placed under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Minister Song Mi-ryeong responded by referencing previous controversies surrounding dog meat breeding and emphasizing the Ministry of agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ existing role in animal welfare.Despite this, President Lee requested a seperate report, expressing concern that the department responsible for animals as industrial objects might not be the most appropriate entity to oversee companion animals. He called for a broader social discussion and public opinion gathering, tasking his chief secretary with the matter.
Government and industry officials have confirmed that discussions regarding a dedicated companion animal ministry are already underway following the planned establishment of the Animal Welfare Promotion Agency. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and rural Affairs remains firm in its position as the responsible ministry for companion animals.
