On Saturday, August 13th, EK Park organized a demonstration at the Moran dog meat market in Seoul, Korea. The protest is timed to mark Malbok, the last day of Boknal, the dog days of summer, during which thousands of dogs are slaughtered to make dog meat soup.
This protest comes on the heals of the July 23rd march in Seoul, which was (to our knowledge) the largest ever demonstration against the dog meat trade ever held in Korea. Simultaneous demonstrations were held in cities around the world, and the community response was incredible.
Moran is the Front Line
The Moran protest, however, is a very different affair, in that it will be held right on the doorstep of Korea’s largest dog meat market. On a personal note, I have mixed feelings about this one. While talking to EK yesterday, I was inspired by the courage and commitment these demonstrators are showing by going face-to-face with the dog meat trade in a peaceful demonstration. On the other hand, I can’t help but worry about what might happen tomorrow and wish that I could do more to help. The possibility for conflict is real.
While I sit peacefully sipping coffee in front of my computer in Toronto, EK and the other demonstrators venture out into the oppressive heat to face the dog meat vendors. In the background, numerous dogs are packed into cages waiting to be selected and butchered. This is truly the front line of the struggle to end the dog meat trade, and I can’t image the amount of courage it takes to step up.
Show Your Support
What can we do to show our support? For the last few days, I’ve been contemplating what we can do to support and encourage the brave demonstrators in tomorrow’s protest. After talking to EK, we decided that perhaps the best thing to do would be to send a message of encouragement to show that the international community is behind them and that they are not alone.
If you want to show your support to the demonstrators in tomorrow’s protest, leave a comment on this article with your words of encouragement. What would you like to say to these brave souls to inspire courage on the eve of this protest? Have your say in the comments below, and EK will be sure to pass on the message at the demonstration.
Let’s show our comrades that we support their efforts to promote compassion over cruelty for the dogs of Korea. Leave a comment and show your support.
I would like to thank each and everyone of you… you are truly making a difference
Thank you for helping innocent sweet dogs / cats … I love you all ❤️ And wish you well
I will be right with you in my heart and soul … You are all angels.. God bless
I can’t make a comment on this wall. This group of selfless people are amazing and so appreciated. They are making a difference! Please stay strong and be safe and please save our 4-legged best friends! Thank you for all you’re doing!
Thank you so much to Free Korean Dogs and the protesters going out tomorrow. Dogs are loving, loyal, playful, protective creatures. They have emotions, they have a soul. They deserve to be loved and cared for not butchered and boiled. Thank you for helping these innocent creatures. May God be with you…and the dogs.
Dogs and cats make loyal and loving companions. Thank you to the people who are working so hard to end this abuse and killing. We are behind you and we will not give up until no dogs or cats are so horribly killed only to be eaten !!!!!
You are very, very brave people. Not only for the risk you take that there might be conflict but also because the sights you will see there will disturb you mentally, probably for the rest of your lives. Thank you so very much. This is going to a formidable day. I wish you all the best of luck and will be thinking of you, praying for you and hoping that the outcome of your brave protest will do good and help this cruel, cruel trade come to an end. Thankyou. xxx
Thank you for what you are doing, wish I could be there with you
To The beautiful people of Korea taking a stand against the horrific dog trade.
We cannot express our graditude for your heroic efforts trying to stop the cruel and barbaric pratice. You have the respect and admiration of everyone in the world. You are honored more than anyone on The planet. We will be with you in spirit. The world will be watching out for you. Be safe.
Any way you can express our disapointment regarding ki Bo Bae using the olympic medal to promote The dog trade?
Love and regards from The city of San Antonio, in the State of Texas in The USA.
Dear Ek and fellow soldiers
We are with you in this. Unable to be physically present but thoughts and prayers are with you.
May GOD strengthen you and keep you safe.
May HE who created every living being have mercy on these greedy, ignorant people
Thanks so much for your support and encouraging messages everyone. I will also let my Korean collleagues know they are not alone.
– Big hugs from Korea.
Thank you EK and all the protesters who work tirelessly to be a voice for the voiceless. We cannot be there with you but we have your back and we will be a voice on this end…I am praying that you are all kept safe tomorrow.
Thank you protesters for doning the work we all should do! You give these animals a voice.
Thank you EK and all protesters for your dedication and courage. Many people in UK appreciate and admire what you are doing to give a voice to so many suffering tortured dogs and cats. Be safe…. they need people like you.
I want to thank all the protestors from the bottom of my heart. Your presence tomorrow is so important, it inspires others in SK to act, it raises awareness, your actions give hope and strength to so many others across the world who see the dreadful images flicker in front of them on their laptops, PC’s and mobiles and are desperate to help and for the torture to stop. Tomorrow when you are protesting, close your eyes and feel the prescence, love and respect of the thousands and thousands of people across the planet; their gratitude that you are the ones who are standing and confronting the hell on earth. Take strength and fortitude from it. You are not alone. Because of you, the dogs and cats, who are the ones enduring the cruelty, are at least not alone. You witness the crimes against them. You acknowledge their right to life and respect. You love them. I am praying for you all x x x
Thank you so much for all you are doing to stop the dog meat industry in your country!
We are all one family, fighting all over the world to protect creatures that have no power or voice…
I am with you in spirit.
You all rock!!
As you enter one of the gates to hell please know that your are warriors that have very much respect from all. I’m honard to write a message to you. In mind, spirt and soul we will help to fuel your fight. Thank you for being you. With all of my love to you, Thank you. Michelle Edwards.
As a Canadian may I say I much I admire you taking a stand against the cruelty and indifference of those participating or turning a blind eye to the Korean dog meat trade.
Thank you. Please be safe. These dogs need you. I’m so grateful you are doing this
I wanna thank the heroes for stepping up against those idiots. Perhaps this would be the first step to get rid of the dog meat trade. Yulin, you would be next. To the demostrators, ignore the sneers and shouts of the butchers. Keep on barking loud enough for the angels up in heaven to hear and the dogs in the cages. You guys are more awesome than of the butchers (and dog meat eaters) combined. KEEP ON BARKING :)
Thank you all for standing up for these innocent animals and being on the frontline to end this horrible trade.
Thank you for helping to save these precious animals. I can’t understand how these horrible people can stand around and watch these poor animals be tortured and killed. They are everyone’s pets. I will continue to spread the word to my friends and business associates to stop this cruel practice and stop doing business with those countries that ignore the value of these animals’ lives.
Blessings to you, BRAVE SOULS!! You are doing the work of so many of our hearts. You represent everything good in this world. I, and so many others, are truly grateful for the actions you are taking in that marketplace – looking these people in the eye, hold your ground. What you are doing is right, fair, and just. The lovely, perfect, beautiful dogs of this world are so lucky to have you speaking for them ❤❤❤
Greetings from FINLAND. You have our support there, I cant be there by your side but remember we are here for you. You guys have done so much, thank you is not even enough for you, you are gold medalist.
Bravo, good Job, please yu are my hands my tears, my eyes, my voice , please save all dogs and cats from those Zombis,
Thank you all so much. You are brave and bold. The world is changing for the better because of you and people like you. I love you and love what you are doing. Each of us is called to fight for the animals in whatever ways we can. You are on the front lines. Gratitude from my deepest soul. We stand with you 100%
My heart goes out to you courageous compassionate activists who are helping these dogs who need you. Praying for a change in the hearts of these butchers so they put down their weapons and stand with you. Pls take care and strong. Will he there in spirit. Thank you for all you are doing for these innocent victims.
Thank you so much for giving these poor dogs a voice – we appreciate very much what you are doing. The torture, awful killing and eating of dogs must be put to an end. Together we will do it! I have incredible respect and gratitude towards you.
Thank you so much for giving these poor dogs a voice – we appreciate very much what you are doing. The torture, awful killing and eating of dogs must be put to an end. Together we will do it! I have incredible respect and gratitude towards you.
I want to tell you brave activists who are participating this significant gathering in Seol, that we people all around the world are with you and we are standing right next to you…not physically as we would like to, but in strong spirit, that is, I hope, helping you some how to get through this difficult experience! I’m getting chills here in Finland, but it’s not because of the cold weather! It’s because of you all there! Be safe, I’m praying for you, as well as all the dogs and cats!
I fully support you all stay safe but please get this message through to these barbaric fucktards that we won’t stand for this any longer it has to stop NOW GOOD LUCK ALL AS I SAID STAY SAFE…✊✊✊✊✌✌✌
To the brave protesters with you heart & soul . Hopefully one day we will no longer have to protest against these barbaric acts , until then keeping the good fight . XXx
God bless all of you and our beloved innocent and defenseless. My prayers go to you. Be safe and keep up fighting. It might take time but it will be purposefully.
Keep it going. Thank you Big Hearted Souls. God is with you.
Bless you all for what you do. We are with you in spirit! Stay safe!! <3
Thanks so much everyone for your encouraging messages. The protest went well: no big fight or troubles…together I belive that we can end the dog and cat meat trade in Korea. thank you.
I Trully Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Courage & Strenth To Stand & Help These Helpless Animals.. I Trully Dont Even Have Word’s To Express My Gratude To Every Single One Of You. We Are All Here With You!! These Animals Need You You Are Their Angles.. May You All Be Protected May Angels Fly With You All & I’m On My Nees Begging No More Touture.. Please Stay Stong & Know The World IS With You & Supports You!!! I Trully Can’t Thank You Enough For Your Stance In Courage And Pursuing To Do The Right Thing
To the brave protestors in South Korea, you are a shining light in the dark hell that is the dog/cat/animal torture trade in your country. My deepest and greatest respect to you all. Please know that decent, conscious people around the world are standing with you in spirit. We are spreading awareness around the globe of the insane, depraved, sadistic cruelty being inflicted on animals in your country. We are telling governments and corporations that we CANNOT & WILL NOT ACCEPT THE HORRIFIC TORTURE OF HELPLESS ANIMALS. Every day more and more people around the world are learning the truth of what is happening. WE JOIN OUR VOICES WITH YOURS TO END THIS CRUELTY, WE STAND WITH YOU! Your bravery, your compassion and your heroism deserves a thousand gold medals…
God bless each and everyone of you being the voices for those poor innocent animals. Be safe out there and know that we appreciate your dedications and love for these animals. God bless you!
I admire your braveness and may God Bless you all!!
Thank you!