The Presidential Office says the 'Turk Dog' sent to Seoul Grand Park is "adapting excellently"

On the 10th, President Yoon Seok-yeol was seen walking and taking care of Happy and Joy at his residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

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The Presidential Office recently reported that the Alabai, Turkmenistan's national dog breed, named "Happy" and "Joy," who moved from the presidential residence to Seoul Grand Park, are "eating well, sleeping well, playing well, and showing excellent adaptability."

On the afternoon of the 13th, the Presidential Office announced to the press corps, citing "the recent status explained by Seoul Grand Park," that "Happy and Joy enjoy walks or free play for about 1 to 1.5 hours every morning at the Children's Zoo within Seoul Grand Park."

They added, "Meals are provided twice daily at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 300g each time, under the care of the keepers and staff, with plans to increase the amount as they grow," and stated, "They respond to bird sounds or people passing by and take naps frequently, overall showing excellent adaptability."

Earlier, President Yoon received two Alabai dogs as gifts from the Supreme Leader and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, and his spouse during a state visit to Turkmenistan in June.

Happy and Joy stayed at the presidential residence after arriving in Korea but moved to Seoul Grand Park on the 11th.

In response to criticism comparing this move to the so-called "Pungsan dog abandonment incident" involving former President Moon Jae-in, the Presidential Office issued an explanatory statement on the same day to update the public on Happy and Joy's current status.

The Presidential Office explained the reason for moving Happy and Joy from the residence to Seoul Grand Park, saying, "We considered advice from local experts," and "It was planned from the time they were gifted that they would move to a larger space as they grew."

They continued, "Considering their growth rate and developmental process, November of this year, when they reach seven months old, is the appropriate time for the move," and added, "Although they lived well at the residence, their large size caused stress to other pets, and the keepers also recommended the transfer."

Happy and Joy are resting after a walk at Seoul Grand Park. Photo by the Presidential Office

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