Bullfighting back in the ring, but activists cry foul over animal cruelty

A protest poster by an animal rights coalition calls for a bullfighting ban following resumed matches in Dalseong and counties in South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of KAWA

Local governments in Korea have resumed bullfighting tournaments despite concerns over a recent outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, drawing fierce opposition from animal rights groups.

A coalition of advocacy organizations, including the Korea Animal Rights Advocates (KARA), and Korean Animal Welfare Association (KAWA), held a protest Wednesday at a bullfighting arena in Dalseong County, Daegu.

The group, operating under the name National Action to Abolish Cruel Bullfighting, called for an immediate end to the events, citing both animal cruelty and biosecurity risks.

The protest followed the controversial resumption of tournaments in Dalseong and other counties such as Changnyeong and Jinju in South Gyeongsang Province, which had previously postponed events due to the livestock disease outbreak in March.

Tensions flared at the Dalseong event after activists pointed out that a promotional banner advertised a live calf as a raffle prize — a violation of Korea’s Animal Protection Act, which bans the use of animals as prizes.

In response, Dalseong officials said the prize would be replaced with cash or a gold calf figurine and invited the public to verify this on the event day.

Bulls clash during a bullfighting event. Courtesy of KAWA

Cultural heritage vs animal abuse

While some local governments defend the events as part of Korea’s cultural heritage, critics argue the practice exploits animals for human entertainment and gambling. The controversy has reignited debate over public funding for such events.

According to activists, seven local governments either planned or are hosting bullfighting events this year, with some having already received budget allocations.

These include Dalseong, Changnyeong, Jinju, Changwon, Uiryeong and Boeun, as well as Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang Province, which operates a year-round arena despite not allocating direct budget support for bullfighting this year.

Activists noted that although the government previously postponed events to prevent disease spread, local officials are now pushing forward even as cases of foot-and-mouth disease continue to emerge in southern provinces.

“Holding bullfighting events for three consecutive weeks while new infections are reported is reckless,” said an official from the animal rights coalition.

The central government has taken a cautious step back from endorsing the practice. In January, Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration decided not to conduct a review for designating bullfighting as an intangible cultural heritage, stating that “the modern form of bullfighting differs significantly from its traditional roots.”

Still, some cities have managed to reintroduce support for bullfighting through last-minute budget allocations. In Dalseong’s case, Daegu City initially planned no support, but the city council passed a funding measure late in the process, influenced by a council member from the district.

An injured bull is dragged away by its nose ring after a bullfight. Courtesy of KAWA

Activists warn that such backdoor funding could embolden local efforts to continue bullfighting despite growing public backlash.

Responding to criticisms, a Dalseong County official claimed that all bulls participating in the tournament had been vaccinated and were no longer at risk of infection.

He also downplayed the allegations of cruelty. “In many cases, the bulls try to retreat rather than fight. About a third just back away.”

However, activists counter that forcing animals into stressful confrontations, regardless of visible injury, constitutes cruelty. One image released by activists showed a bloodied bull being led away by a nose ring after a match.

When asked whether the tournament will continue next year, Dalseong officials said it’s too early to decide but suggested future budgets may be reduced rather than expanded.

Meanwhile, the protest coalition pledged further actions against other local governments planning to hold tournaments. “It’s time for our society to mature into one that respects animal life, not exploits it for entertainment,” a coalition official said.

Activists from animal rights groups hold signs calling for an end to bullfighting at a venue in Dalseong County, Daegu, Wednesday. Courtesy of KARA

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.