Changwon Residents Overwhelmingly Oppose Taxpayer Funding for Bullfighting Festival

A recent poll commissioned by the animal welfare organization Animal Freedom Wave has brought to light a stark public sentiment in Changwon regarding the city's controversial bullfighting festival. The findings reveal an overwhelming majority of residents, 76%, are against the use of taxpayer money to finance this annual event. This strong opposition is coupled with a widespread view that bullfighting constitutes animal abuse, with 69% of respondents agreeing with this assessment. The data clearly indicates a public desire to see these funds redirected towards more socially beneficial areas such as welfare, culture, and economic revitalization.

Perhaps most concerning is the revelation that a staggering 91% of Changwon citizens were unaware that their tax money was being spent on the bullfighting festival. This lack of transparency suggests a significant disconnect between the city's administrative decisions and public awareness, raising questions about the justification and public support for such expenditures. The survey indicates a strong preference for alternative uses of the budget, with 71% favoring allocation to welfare, culture, or local economic development initiatives.

Animal Freedom Wave has urged the Changwon city government to seriously consider abolishing the bullfighting festival and reallocating its budget. They also called upon mayoral candidates to address this issue in their platforms, especially with an upcoming election where 44% of surveyed citizens expressed a willingness to support candidates who pledge to abolish or reduce funding for the festival. As reported by The Hankyoreh, this survey highlights a clear public mandate for change, emphasizing animal welfare and responsible fiscal management over a controversial tradition.