"Snap a Photo with a Dead Shark" Controversy... E-Mart Yongsan Apologizes After Customer Backlash

Controversy Over 'Animal Abuse' at Exotic Fish Exhibition Event
Emart Apologizes for Not Considering Customer Sentiments

A shark carcass is displayed at the seafood corner on the basement level 1 of Emart Yongsan branch. Photo by Online Community Capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A controversy over animal cruelty has arisen after a dead shark was displayed in the seafood section of an Emart store in Seoul, followed by a photo event.

On the 31st, numerous eyewitness accounts surfaced on online communities stating that a dead shark was exhibited while still bleeding in the seafood section on the basement first floor of Emart Yongsan branch the day before. One netizen said, "The shark kept bleeding, so there was a tray to catch the blood."

The released photos showed a dead shark placed on ice. Next to the shark, a photo zone guide sign read, "Wear a shark hat, take a photo with the shark as the background, and upload it on Instagram," along with information about the shark’s characteristics and culinary uses. The guide also featured a drawing of the popular children's character 'Pinkfong' from the baby shark series.

Among netizens, criticism arose that the exhibition constituted animal cruelty. They pointed out that holding an event with a dead creature was cruel. In particular, some expressed concern that children visiting the store might be shocked by the Pinkfong 'Baby Shark' character drawn at the photo zone.

As the controversy grew, Emart canceled the exhibition and took steps to resolve the situation. Through the media, Emart stated, "We apologize for failing to consider customers' sentiments in the exhibition and store operations," and added, "We will pay closer attention to customers' thoughts and exercise more careful caution in the future." It is known that since May, the store has been displaying unusual fish species such as large stingrays, yellowtail amberjack, and ocean sunfish in the seafood section.

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