hankyoreh

Lee Won-bok, director of the Korea Association for Animal Protection, holds a one-person demonstration in front of the Blue House, condemning an Aug. 11 Blue House luncheon at which shark fin soup was served, Aug. 18. Lee said, “Every year, around 100 million sharks are dumped into the sea after their fins are cut off.”

“Globally there is a movement to ban or regulate the sale of shark fins in advanced societies including the US and European Union, in contrast with the thoughtless acts of the South Korean government, which is destroying the animal ecosystem,” Lee said.

At the luncheon in question, which President Park Geun-hye held for the Saenuri Party leadership, including new leader Lee Jung-hyun, a range of expensive dishes was served, including lobster, smoked salmon, caviar salad, truffles and Korean beef ribs. (by Kim Seong-gwang, staff photographer)