Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung speaks during a press conference at the ministry in Sejong, Monday. Courtesy of Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

The government's plan to compensate dog meat vendors ahead of the enforcement of the meat ban in February 2027 entails a "reasonable amount" of money, the minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, Monday.

The comments made by Song Mi-ryung came after the ministry's announcement regarding the measure on Thursday faced criticism from meat producers and distributors, who claimed that the compensation amounts fell short of their expectations.

Song said the compensation amounts — a maximum 600,000 won ($460) and minimum 225,000 won per dog — were calculated based on the methodology used for livestock farmers and traders who were compelled to shut down their businesses due to African swine flu (ASF) or free trade agreements.

"We reviewed various previous standards to establish the compensation guidelines for the dog meat ban," Song said during a press conference in Sejong. "To support those who are now required to terminate or change their professions due to the ban, we are providing higher compensation for those who promptly file to terminate their dog meat businesses."

She confirmed that those who apply to terminate their soon-to-be illegal business licenses within the first six months of the announcement will be eligible for the maximum compensation. After that period, the amount will be reduced to the minimum by the end of the grace period before the ban takes effect.

"We believe that this is the most reasonable and highest amount of support we can offer," Song said. "While some beneficiaries may feel that the compensation is insufficient, they should consider how the government has handled similar cases in the past. Additionally, we are providing consultations and taking into account the salvage values of their business sites when determining compensation."

The beneficiaries, following the ministry's announcement last week, criticized the authority for the inadequate compensation amounts. Joo Young-bong, president of the country's dog meat association, stated that 600,000 won does not even cover half the cost of raising a dog.

Prior to the ministry's announcement, the association requested 2 million won per dog. They argued that the ban infringes on their freedom and will worsen their economic difficulties.

"The amount is less than half the cost of raising a puppy to a fully grown dog, which takes at least a year," Joo said. "We will defy the government's call to shut down the business and stage protests in front of the National Assembly and the Presidential Office in Yongsan."

The ministry stated that the compensation amounts were determined in accordance with the country's Act on the Management and Use of Livestock Excreta. They considered the area of cages (in square meters) and the number of dogs reported by beneficiaries since the government enacted the special law to ban dog meat in February. The ministry announced that it will allocate a total budget of 109.5 billion won, with the central government covering half of this amount, to completely eliminate the country's dog meat businesses, which number 5,898.