Pets Left Behind at the Seocho-dong Residence

With the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Gun-hee, the issue of managing the couple's pets has caught the attention of the political sphere.

According to reports on the 17th, pets including the dog "Tori" are currently staying at the Acrovista residence in Seocho-dong.

It is said that the care of the pets will be handled by staff members who assisted Kim and are now commuting between the residence and Kobana Contents. The former president and his wife, who have no children, have shown exceptional affection for their six dogs and five cats. They brought all of their pets to the residence even after his impeachment.

"Before the First Arrest, Not My Wife, But 'I Need to See Tori'"

Before his arrest in January, former President Yoon reportedly spent about ten minutes with Tori, saying, "I need to see Tori." It was surprising that he chose Tori over his wife Kim at that moment.

When he was briefly released due to a court decision to cancel his detention in May, he was not seen with Kim, but he was spotted walking with his pet dog, drawing attention.

The unprecedented situation of a former presidential couple being arrested simultaneously due to numerous criminal charges has led to continued discussions within the Presidential Security Service regarding the responsibility for managing the pets.

The Role of the Security Service and Remaining Variables

The current Presidential Security Law defines the subject of security as "life and property," leading to interpretations that pets can be considered property.

Due to this, opinions were divided between whether the security service should have the obligation to manage the pets and concerns that it does not align with public sentiment. Ultimately, it was determined that it is inappropriate for publicly employed personnel funded by tax money to care for pets, leading to the decision for Kim's associates to take on the responsibility, bringing the controversy to a close.

However, many of those associates are currently under investigation by the special prosecutor’s team, which may become a variable in the future.

Security at the Seocho-dong residence will continue to be maintained. The security facilities installed inside and outside the home will remain operational for the time being, but the security personnel will be gradually reduced, leaving only a minimal staff to prevent external intrusions.

Image source: Former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Gun-hee / News1, Former President Yoon Suk-yeol walking with his pet dog Tori at Han River Park / News1