Shown here is a scene from an animation narrating the tale of DOgKU, the mascot of the I’M DOgNOR campaign
SEOUL, Sept. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – Hyundai Motor Co. has announced a new campaign called “2023 I’M DOgNOR” with the aim of encouraging a culture of dog blood donation for dogs. The name DOgNOR comes from combining the words “dog” and “donor.”
Currently, over 90% of the blood used for dog transfusions in Korea comes from dogs kept in poor conditions. Hyundai started this campaign back in 2019 in response to public concerns about the need to improve the blood supply system for dogs.
Hyundai is actively promoting the I’m Dogner campaign to raise awareness about the importance of dog blood donation. Last July, the company organized an event where players entered a professional soccer K League match with a donor dog, marking the first time a team had an animal other than an escort child at a game.
Only large breed dogs that meet specific criteria (2-8 years old and weighing over 25 kilograms) are eligible to donate blood. They must also pass a medical examination to ensure they are fit for donation.
In addition to these efforts, Hyundai plans to release three animated stories in October featuring DOgKU, the mascot of the I Am Dogner campaign. DOgKU is based on a real-life blood donor dog named Seolak-i from Konkuk University.
Seolak-i is also the inspiration behind the ‘Seolak-i Law,’ aimed at eliminating the dog meat culture.
Seolak-i was rescued from a slaughterhouse in Cheonan, where he had suffered injuries including the cutting of half of one ear and a large wound on his leg. Despite his past, he now lives happily with a new family. Seolak-i is also the inspiration behind the ‘Seolak-i Law,’ aimed at eliminating the dog meat culture.
A Hyundai Motor representative stated, “We hope that the ‘I’M DOgNOR’ campaign, which has primarily operated in the Seoul metropolitan area, will expand nationwide through our collaboration with hospitals in Busan and Daejeon. We remain committed to promoting the ’I'M DOgNOR’ campaign and fostering a culture of healthy dog blood donation.”
Image credit: Hyundai Motor Co. / photonews@koreabizwire.com
