HWASEONG, South Korea, Nov 24 (Reuters) - As South Korea moves to ban eating dog meat, many of those involved in the centuries-old controversial practice are fighting to keep it legal.
A Gallup Korea poll last year showed almost two-thirds of respondents opposed eating dog meat, with only 8% saying they had eaten dog within the past year, down from 27% in 2015.
Despite its declining popularity and opposition from animal rights activists, previous attempts to ban dog meat have failed because of industry protests.
With the backing of the public, and bipartisan support in parliament, there are signs that the ban could soon become law.
Nam Sung-gue who has run a restaurant selling dog meat boshintang, or "restoring" soup, for the past 30 years, said the ban was unfair, even though his business is fast declining.
Persons:
Lee Kyeong, I've, Nam Sung, Kim Keon Hee, Yoon Suk Yeol, gil, Daewoung Kim, Soo, hyang Choi, Jack Kim, Miral
Organizations:
Power Party, Gallup, Korean Association, Edible, Minwoo, Thomson
Locations:
South Korea, Korea, Seoul, Gallup Korea