Animal Rights Action Kara "All Donation Fraud Charges Dismissed... Over 2 Billion Won in Tangible and Intangible Damages"

The pet dog of the passenger plane disaster victim, 'Dungi,' rescued and admitted to The Bom. Provided by KARA

Animal Rights Action Kara issued a press release on the 15th stating, "Regarding the allegations of embezzlement of donations and tax evasion assistance that have continued for over six months, all legal investigations to date have concluded with the government being cleared of charges." Kara said, "This is the result of proving that all the various allegations raised by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ National Democratic General Union Kara Branch and the Joint Countermeasure Committee were unfounded, reaffirming Kara's honor once again."

According to Kara, the Kara Branch and the Joint Countermeasure Committee filed a complaint with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission in June last year, raising issues of tax evasion assistance and embezzlement of donations against Kara. Subsequently, the Mapo Police Station conducted two investigations and decided not to prosecute the case (on September 12 and December 24, 2024), and the National Tax Service also closed the case stating "no issues with the reported content." On November 1 last year, the court dismissed all injunction lawsuits filed by the Kara Branch seeking suspension of duties of the current representative and board members. Kara stated that it became clear that all charges and allegations against Kara were false. A Kara official said, "It was a great wound in itself that false allegations were raised against an organization built on the empathy and trust of its supporters," adding, "The result of no charges is a natural conclusion."

Kara said that the allegations caused considerable damage. Donations decreased by about 20%, and collaborations with some companies and major portals were suspended. Currently, Kara protects about 500 animals, including not only companion animals but also farm animals. Recently, they rescued a companion dog named ‘Dung-i,’ who lost all guardians in a passenger plane disaster, and transferred it to the Deobom Center. Starting this year, Kara plans to fully open the Deobom Center to the public to more actively promote on-site activities for animal welfare improvement.

A Kara official expressed ambition, saying, "We will strengthen trust further based on this no-charge result and open a new chapter in the animal rights movement." Regarding conflicts with the Kara Branch that raised the allegations, the official said, "We agree on the need to improve employee working conditions and wages," but added, "We respect the opinions of our supporters, and the organization's goals and labor union activities must be carried out in harmony and balance with the same direction."

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