"Yoon Couple Requested Hotel Suite for Pet Dog During France Trip"

Lee Jae-jung: "Confirmed Unreasonable Protocol Requests"
"Public Organization Swayed for Dog Protocol Arrangements"

There have been claims that former President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee requested protocol arrangements for their pet dog from the Korean Embassy in France ahead of their overseas trip in 2023.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol and First Lady Kim Keonhee holding their pet dog. Screenshot from SBS 'TV Animal Farm'

On October 13, Assemblywoman Lee Jae-jung of the Democratic Party of Korea asserted during a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "During their visit to France in 2023, former President Yoon and his wife planned to bring their pet dog and requested the French embassy to prepare protocol arrangements accordingly."

She continued, "They requested a space for the dog to stay in the hotel suite, a dedicated vehicle for the pet, and even nearly designated an embassy staff member to be in charge of the pet. Fortunately or not, the trip was canceled, but it has been confirmed that there were unreasonable protocol requests."

Assemblywoman Lee pointed out, "At that time, Kim Keon-hee placed great importance on animal rights and was branding this for her own achievements." She added, "During official diplomatic visits, the safety and security of the head of state or delegation should be the top priority. It is deeply regrettable that our public organization was swayed for the sake of protocol arrangements for a dog."

In response, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun stated, "This is the first I have heard of this issue," and explained, "Upon investigation, it was found that the request was made directly from the Presidential Office to the Korean Embassy in France, bypassing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' protocol office." Minister Cho added, "We will thoroughly investigate, as you suggested, to ensure that such incidents do not happen again and to protect the dignity of diplomats in charge of protocol."

During his presidency, Yoon Suk-yeol was known to have raised more than ten dogs and cats at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. After moving into the residence, the former presidential couple allegedly installed a facility resembling a dog swimming pool, purchased an expensive cat tower with state funds, and took it to their private residence after retirement without authorization.