President Lee Jae-myung unveiled his pet dog 'Bobby' for the first time since taking office.
On the 14th, President Lee posted a photo of Bobby sitting next to him on social media, saying, "I would like to introduce our family member 'Bobby' to you, the public. He is my lovely pet dog who lives with me."
During a special lecture held at the National Human Resources Development Institute in Jincheon, North Chungcheong Province, President Lee noted, "I mentioned Bobby briefly in the field, and there are many people showing interest."
In the lecture, President Lee mentioned, "Dogs know whether people like or dislike them. This morning, my wife and I had a conflict about that. The dog keeps going to my wife."
Regarding this on social media, President Lee said, "Bobby kept going to my wife and was quite sad about it, but after thinking about it, it makes sense," adding, "The one who feeds him every day, takes him for walks, and plays with him is my wife."
He continued, "Since I have less time to spend with him, from Bobby's perspective, my wife would seem more familiar. Dogs know very well who cares and loves them. Looking at Bobby sticking close to my wife, I wonder how much more subtle people can be in noticing such feelings, just like animals do."
He added, "In an era of 15 million pet owners, more than one in four people live with pets," stating, "Through Bobby, who provides small happiness and warm comfort just by existing, I can understand the hearts of our citizens living with pets more deeply."
President Lee said, "I will do my utmost to create a society filled with respect and consideration for life," adding, "I envision a South Korea, a leader in animal welfare, where people and animals coexist harmoniously and enrich each other's lives."
Bobby is a Maltipoo, a hybrid breed of Maltese and Poodle, raised by his eldest son Dong-ho and his wife. Recently, it is known that he has been living with President Lee and his wife at the Hanam-dong official residence.