Canine diplomacy between North and South Korea

There was a period in 2018 when the relation between the two Koreas had improved. It was during the tenure of US President Donald Trump. At that time, there were hopes of a peaceful settlement to the denuclearization of the Peninsula. Kim Jong-un, leader of North Korea had gifted a pair of dogs to Moon Jae-in, the then President of South Korea. These were a pair of white Pungsan dogs - Gomi and Songgang. The canines carried the legal categorization as state property and belonged to the presidential archives. Accordingly, they continued to remain under the care of Moon Jae-in even after he left office in May. However, it has to now go back to the state and South Korea's former President Moon Jae-in says he plans to give them up. It seems his decision is a fallout of differences between him and the current government over funds for looking after the dogs. South Korea's Moon Jae-in to give up dogs gifted by Kim Jong-un.

In an unprecedented move, Mr. Moon's office indicated that he was able to continue as their caretaker even after he left his post. An agreement with the interior ministry reportedly stated that there could be a state budgetary provision for payment towards supplies and expenses for looking after the pets. The local media puts the expenses at about $1,800; £1,560 every month.

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