South Koreans Overwhelmingly Support Legal Distinction for Animals

A significant majority of South Koreans, nearly 88%, believe that animals should be legally recognized as distinct from inanimate objects under the Civil Act. This finding comes from a recent public opinion survey conducted by the Ministry of Justice, highlighting a growing societal shift in how animals are perceived.

The survey also revealed that more than half of the respondents (51.2%) were unaware of the current legal status of animals as property. Despite this lack of awareness, a strong consensus emerged that this classification needs to change. Even among those who agreed that animal owners can freely use or trade their pets, 83.8% still supported distinguishing animals from objects in law.

Currently, South Korea's Civil Act defines objects as tangible assets and electricity, leading courts and law enforcement to treat animals as property. This interpretation allows for the application of property-related laws, such as seizure of pets during debt enforcement or division of animals as assets in divorce cases. The Ministry of Justice is now re-engaging with the 'de-objectification' of animals, a legislative effort that previously stalled due to the end of a parliamentary term.

Minister of Justice Jeong Sung-ho announced in April the intention to pursue Civil Act amendments based on public consensus. To further discuss the legal implications and gather input, the ministry is organizing a public forum on June 16th in Seoul. The event will feature discussions on the current state of animal-related legislation, the necessity and significance of the 'de-objectification' amendment, and the treatment of pets during seizure proceedings.