Bullfighting, 'Animal Abuse' Controversy Leads to Decision Against Intangible Heritage Investigation

Folk Game Value Partially Recognized
Concerns Raised Over Animal Cruelty Reflected

The procedure to designate bullfighting as a national intangible heritage is unlikely to proceed.

Yonhap News

The National Heritage Agency's Intangible Heritage Committee recently decided not to conduct a designation survey this year to determine whether the event is worthy of being newly designated. Based on preliminary academic research, the value of bullfighting as a folk game was partially recognized, but concerns about animal cruelty raised by various sectors were also taken into account.

Bullfighting is a competition where two bulls lock horns and fight. It has been held as a folk event in some regions, such as Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk.

Last year, the National Heritage Agency planned to investigate whether bullfighting has value as a national intangible heritage. However, voices urging the suspension of the investigation, mainly from animal protection and environmental groups, led to the plan being put on hold. After expert meetings, it was decided to conduct academic research first and then discuss whether to proceed with the designation survey based on the results.

Upon learning the outcome of the meeting, animal protection groups expressed their approval. The "National Action to Abolish Bullfighting as Animal Cruelty," composed of groups such as Animal Freedom Union and Animal Liberation Wave, stated, "We welcome and support the decision of the National Heritage Agency." They added, "Defining the forced fighting of animals as animal cruelty is a globally widespread recognition," emphasizing that "bullfighting is a clear case of animal cruelty and a violation of the Animal Protection Act."

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