Seoul, South Korea — A recent revelation during a parliamentary audit has brought to light an unusual demand made by the office of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, for a comprehensive 'dog protocol' to accommodate their pet during a 2023 state visit to France. The details, which include requests for dedicated pet space in a luxury hotel suite, a specialized vehicle, and a designated embassy staff member, have sparked controversy and criticism over the appropriate use of diplomatic resources.

Outlandish Demands on Diplomatic Staff 

The issue was raised by Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Jae-jung during a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on October 13th, 2025. Rep. Lee stated that during the planning for the 2023 visit, the presidential couple decided to bring their companion dog and requested the South Korean Embassy in France to prepare full-scale pet-related protocol.

"They demanded space for the dog in the hotel suite, a dedicated vehicle for the pet, and the designation of an embassy staff member to be exclusively in charge of the companion animal," Rep. Lee stated. She pointed out that this occurred at a time when Mrs. Kim Keon Hee was heavily emphasizing animal rights, often associating the cause with her public image.

Rep. Lee expressed strong indignation, arguing that "during a state visit, the safety and security of the head of state and the delegation should be the utmost priority. The fact that our public organization was swayed to the extent of providing protocol for a dog is deplorable." She further criticized the Foreign Ministry, asking, "Is the Foreign Ministry Kim Keon Hee's travel manager? Having to prepare a dog house and attend to the 'First Dog' is deeply humiliating. For the morale of our diplomats who dedicate their professionalism to the field, this situation must be thoroughly investigated and rectified."

MOFA Pledges Investigation 

In response to the serious allegations, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul confirmed he was unaware of the matter until the morning of the audit. Minister Cho then revealed preliminary findings, stating, "I have checked, and it appears the Presidential Office contacted the South Korean Embassy in France directly, bypassing the MOFA Protocol Office."

Minister Cho acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the concerns regarding the morale of the diplomatic corps. "I will thoroughly investigate this, as you've pointed out, and work to ensure that the self-respect of the diplomats in charge of protocol is not compromised, and that such an incident does not recur in the future," he assured the assembly.

The demand for such extensive, personalized pet-related services during a high-stakes state visit has fueled the ongoing debate regarding the scope of presidential prerogatives and the appropriate deployment of diplomatic personnel and resources for non-essential personal matters. Critics argue that while pet companionship is a private matter, demanding a full-scale 'dog protocol' that includes a designated diplomatic staff member represents an overreach and an undue burden on an overseas mission whose primary focus should be on national diplomacy and security. The incident underscores a need for clearer guidelines on the use of public resources for the personal effects and pets of presidential families during official travel.

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