Boshintang, or dog meat stew, has long been a staple for South Koreans to beat the heat during “chobok,” the beginning of the hottest summer days according to the lunar calendar that falls on July 11 this year. However, Koreans remain divided over the issue. While a number of pet owners regard dogs as companion animals, others say eating them is a distinctive aspect of the country’s culinary culture.
Dozens of dog farmers in South Korea rallied Tuesday to criticize the country’s first lady over her reported comments that support a possible ban on dog meat consumption. Eating dog is a centuries-old Korean practice. But there have been growing calls for outlawing it in South Korea as animal rights campaigns have influenced public perception…