South Korea's Bear Bile Farming: A Step Towards Change

South Korea is finally putting an end to its controversial bear bile farming industry. This practice, which has been widely criticized, involves keeping bears in captivity to extract their bile, a substance used in traditional medicine. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment has announced a ban on breeding, possessing bears, and extracting their bile starting January 1. This move aligns with a revised animal rights protection law that includes penalties of up to five years in prison for violators. The practice of bear bile farming has seen a significant decline over the past two decades. This is due to questions about its medicinal effects, the availability of cheaper alternatives, and growing awareness of animal cruelty. South Korea is one of the few countries that still allows this practice, primarily involving Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears. A broader agreement made in 2022 among officials, farmers, and animal rights campaigners aims to completely prohibit bear bile farming by 2026. Animal rights groups are involved in purchasing bears from farmers, while the government is setting up facilities to house them. So far, 21 bears have been relocated to a government-run sanctuary in Jeolla province. However, 199 bears still remain on 11 farms across the country.Disputes continue over the compensation farmers should receive for giving up their bears. The Environment Ministry has announced a six-month grace period for existing farmers and will provide financial incentives for those who keep their bears until they are sold and moved. Environment Minister Kim Sungwhan emphasized the country's commitment to improving the welfare of wild animals and fulfilling related responsibilities. Kim KwangSoo, a farmer who raises 78 bears in Dangjin, criticizes the policy, stating it is economically disadvantageous. He has debts amounting to several hundred thousand dollars due to the upkeep of his bears. In 2014, there were about 1, 000 bears in farms across South Korea, descendants of bears imported from Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries when bear farming began in the early 1980s. Animal rights groups have praised the government's efforts but urge the establishment of larger protection facilities to accommodate rescued bears. The current sanctuary in Jeolla province can hold up to 49 bears, but activists argue that the number should not exceed 30. A second government facility, planned for April, has been delayed until 2027 due to flooding. Cheon JinKyung, head of Korea Animal Rights Advocates in Seoul, acknowledges the government's efforts but highlights the lack of sufficient measures to protect the bears. The critical issue remains finding adequate space for the bears that are being rescued.