Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Minke whale found dead off Yeosu, sold for $51,000
The dead minke whale is lifted from a boat after being found dead in waters off Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea Coast Guard
By Jung Min-ho
Police check the carcass to discover whether the animal was hunted. Courtesy of Korea Coast Guard
By Jung Min-ho
A 6.1-meter minke whale that was found dead in waters off Yeosu Tuesday afternoon has been auctioned for 60 million won ($51,000).
It was the third such case in Korea this year.
According to the Korea Coast Guard Wednesday, a fisherman, surnamed Kim, 63, found the three-ton animal in a fixed net about 9.2 kilometers west of Sori Island, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.
After inspecting the carcass, police said they did not find any signs it had been hunted.
Kim, who set up the net, received a certificate that enabled him to sell the whale.
Commercial whaling is banned in Korea, but retrieving dead whales is allowed.
A person who illegally kills a whale could face up to three years in prison or a maximum fine of 30 million won.