Former President Moon: "President Yoon seems negative about entrusting Pungsan dogs... I will return them"

"Related Regulations Announced for June Legislation but Delayed Due to Presidential Office Opposition"
"Government's Malice Feels Absurd"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The office of former President Moon Jae-in announced on the 7th that they will "return" the Pungsan dogs, which had been entrusted to them for care by the Presidential Archives after his retirement.

On the same day, former President Moon's secretariat explained the background through his social media (SNS), stating, "Former President Moon intends to return the Pungsan dogs ‘Gomi’ and ‘Songgang,’ which had been entrusted to him for care by the Presidential Archives, back to the Presidential Archives."

They explained, "The above Pungsan dogs are legally state property and presidential records. Upon former President Moon’s retirement, they were transferred to the Presidential Archives. However, since the Presidential Archives lacks the personnel, facilities, and systems to manage companion animals, considering the emotional bond required for pets, an agreement was reached between the Presidential Archives, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and former President Moon to entrust their care to former President Moon."

Moon’s office stated that due to the absence of relevant regulations, "The Presidential Archives and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety promised to amend the Enforcement Decree of the Presidential Records Management Act to establish explicit legal grounds. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced the legislative notice for the amendment on June 17, but due to an objection from the Presidential Office for unknown reasons, it was not submitted to the Cabinet meeting. Afterwards, the Ministry informed that they would revise some wording and reissue the legislative notice, but there has been no progress even as six months have passed since the retirement."

They added, "Judging from the progress so far, unlike the positions of the Presidential Archives and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Presidential Office seems to be negative about entrusting the care of the Pungsan dogs to former President Moon. Since the management entrustment of presidential records is based on mutual goodwill, the government side can terminate the entrustment anytime if they dislike it or devise a better management plan."

Moon’s office said, "Although there may be feelings of regret or sadness because these are beloved companion animals, the termination of the entrustment relationship cannot be refused," while also criticizing, "Judging from media reports, the Presidential Office does not seem to have the goodwill to handle the issue coolly."

They continued, "It is absurd to see the current government’s malice even over such a trivial matter," and added, "Former President Moon has cared for the Pungsan dogs for a long time, and since ‘Gomi’ recently underwent a difficult hospitalization and surgery, it is very regrettable to return the dogs, but we take solace in having been able to care for them for six more months."

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