The four-and-a-half-minute long video produced by both CARE and INNOCEAN Worldwide sheds light on discrimination based on the color of dogs in South Korea, with a short story told from the perspective of a black dog. (Image: Innocean)
An animal rights group has launched a campaign to combat prejudice against dark dogs in South Korea.
SEOUL, Apr. 5 (Korea Bizwire) — Animal advocacy group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth, known as CARE, uploaded a YouTube video highlighting the prejudice facing darker dogs, as part of its Black Dog Campaign.
The four-and-a-half-minute long video produced by both CARE and INNOCEAN Worldwide sheds light on discrimination based on the color of dogs in South Korea, with a short story told from the perspective of a black dog.
In the video, a black-colored dog escapes from an animal shelter after having a hard time getting adopted, only to experience the harsh realities of a world where light-skinned dogs are preferred.
Captions containing strong messages appear towards the end, including, ‘What does color decide?’, and ‘Adopt a world free of prejudice and discrimination,’ urging people to do away with color-based discrimination.
A song titled ‘Take Me Back’ was specially written for the video, with the fitting name for the main theme of the campaign.
The Black Dog Campaign has so far been backed by a number of celebrities, including actress Ra Mi-ran and photographer Kim Yong-ho, who is holding a black dog-themed photography exhibition.
Last July, rescue dog Tori became South Korea’s very first dark-colored First Dog from an animal shelter after being adopted by President Moon Jae-in.
Tori spent nearly two years at an animal shelter after being discovered by animal rescue workers.
As a mixed breed with black fur, Tori became the poster child for shelter animals and dark-colored dogs.
An animal rights group has launched a campaign to combat prejudice against dark dogs in South Korea. (Image: Cheong Wa Dae)
Moon previously acknowledged Tori’s unfortunate background on Facebook, saying, “It’s hard to believe (Tori) wasn’t adopted because of ‘Black Dog Syndrome’, which refers to the discrimination against black dogs.
“Dark dogs are not only abandoned, but also face discrimination based on the color of their fur. With the Black Dog Campaign, we hope to tackle all forms of prejudice and discrimination based on color in every corner of society, not just those against dark dogs.”
To make a donation to CARE, visit their official website.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
