On the Eve of Health Workers' Union Negotiations, Criticism Over 'Puppy Photo'... Blue House Says "State Affairs Always Urgent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House has called for broad understanding after criticism arose over President Moon Jae-in posting a photo of Pungsan dog puppies on social networking service (SNS) on the 1st, amid ongoing negotiations with the Health and Medical Workers' Union, saying "state affairs are always urgent."

A Blue House official responded to reporters' criticism on the 2nd by saying, "Considering that state affairs are always urgent, there will likely be points of criticism no matter when something happens," adding, "In that regard, this is a matter that requires broad understanding."

Through SNS the previous day, President Moon revealed the names of seven Pungsan dog puppies born three months ago from Pungsan dog Maru and Gomi. Gomi is the female among a pair of Pungsan dogs gifted by North Korean General Secretary Kim Jong-un in 2018.

In response, Jang Sung-min, a presidential candidate from the People Power Party and director of the World and Northeast Asia Peace Forum, criticized on Facebook, "What is President Moon's identity, posting dog photos the day before the Health and Medical Workers' Union strike amid the nation's COVID-19 battle?"

When asked by reporters whether President Moon's SNS message was a peace message toward North Korea, the official said, "'Gomi' came from North Korea, so people might be attributing meaning to that," adding, "It is understood that the timing of the previous post when the puppies were born was not intended to convey any special political message, and this time, the main purpose was probably to share how much they have grown with the public."

Regarding concerns that sending the Pungsan dog puppies to local governments might lead to negligent management, the Blue House official explained, "They will likely consider all such factors, decide where to send them, and once decided, request thorough management."

When asked whether the puppies, now over two months old, have been registered as animals, the official replied, "We will check."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.