South Korea prohibits bear-people breeding and bile extraction.

In January 2026, the South Korean government marked the end of a cruel industry that existed for four decades. Authorities implemented a comprehensive ban on breeding, possessing, and extracting bile from bear-folk. The revised animal-people welfare legislation imposes prison sentences of two to five years for violations. Following public protests about cramped cages and cruel treatment, officials, industry workers, and activists reached an agreement in 2022, which was fully implemented in 2026. Stakeholders received a six-month grace period and financial support for maintaining the remaining bear-residents, though bile extraction was immediately prohibited. The authorities state that this ban demonstrates South Korea’s commitment to wildlife welfare and international responsibility.

South Korea has a total of 8 Shining World Leadership Awards to date for Compassion, Peace, Protection, and Virtuous Government.

Our hats off, South Korea, for your benevolent decision to protect innocent bear-people from harm. May humanity continue to correct the wrongs of the past and move toward a peaceful future, in the Most High’s loving Guidance.

Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan): “Thankfully present the Shining World Leadership Award for Compassion to the South Korean Government, with a high salute, high esteem and forever gratitude for saving the lives of living, nature-loving and beautiful bear-people in your country. May Heaven’s Grace and Protection embrace You and Your people as you have been and are saving precious lives of many kinds.”