25.06.08.Today News : ‘Dog Pool’ Controversy at Presidential Residence Resurfaces / Egg Prices Hit 4-Year High

1. ‘Dog Pool’ Controversy at Presidential Residence Resurfaces

• Photo of Facility Sparks Allegations of Private Use by Former President Yoon for Pets

A photo taken during a recent dinner at the presidential residence has triggered controversy over a pool-like structure that some claim was installed for the pets of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The issue raises new concerns over the private use of taxpayer-funded facilities and has reignited criticism of excessive pet-related spending during Yoon’s presidency.

On June 7, President Lee Jae-myung hosted 24 lawmakers from the Democratic Party at the official residence in Hanam-dong. After the dinner, Rep. Park Hong-geun posted several photos online. One image revealed a small, rectangular pool lined with blue tiles and marble, which quickly drew public attention.

Due to its shallow depth and modest size, attendees speculated the structure was not intended for human use. According to Park, several lawmakers at the dinner commented that it looked like a “dog pool.”

Former President Yoon and his wife were known to have kept 11 pets during their time in office. Allegations of excessive water use, installation of cat towers, and other pet-related modifications at the residence had previously sparked public criticism. Rep. Kim Young-bae cited unusually high water bills and questioned the necessity of such facilities.

Rep. Yoon Gun-young further claimed the facility was newly installed under the previous administration and that the Ministry of Interior and Safety refused to provide relevant documentation during the transition. This has led the Board of Audit and Inspection to launch a new investigation into the residence relocation and facility spending.

As the presidential residence is a public space funded by taxpayers, suspicions of private misuse carry significant political and ethical weight. Critics argue that even a small swimming pool for dogs symbolizes broader issues of transparency and accountability in government operations.

One-line summary : A water facility at the presidential residence is under scrutiny amid claims it was used as a private dog pool by former President Yoon, sparking renewed controversy.

---

---

2. Egg Prices Hit 4-Year High, Expected to Keep Rising

• Aging Hens, Disease, and Government Limits Disrupt Supply; Consumers Feel the Heat

Egg prices have surged to their highest levels in four years, with a 30-egg tray now costing over 7,000 KRW in many stores. Industry experts point to a combination of aging hens, heat-induced deaths, avian flu outbreaks, and government-imposed limits on flock sizes as primary drivers.

According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), the wholesale price for 10 medium-sized eggs has risen to between 1,850 and 1,950 KRW in June—up to 18.5% higher than the same time last year. Retail prices are even steeper, with some supermarkets selling a 30-egg tray for over 8,000 KRW.

One major issue is the aging of laying hens. Due to disrupted chick supplies and losses from avian influenza and heat stress, many farms have delayed introducing new hens and are relying on older, less productive birds. This naturally reduces egg output.

Additionally, the government’s cap on the number of hens per farm—designed to prevent oversupply—has further tightened the supply chain. A rising death rate among hens in the past year has compounded the problem, weakening the foundation of production.

The effects are being felt across multiple sectors, from school meals to bakeries and restaurants. With extreme summer heat approaching, further supply disruptions are likely. Experts warn that egg prices may remain high through at least August.

Although the government is working on emergency imports and price stabilization measures, unless structural issues in supply are resolved, consumer costs will continue to climb.

One-line summary : Egg prices have hit a 4-year high due to aging hens, disease, and government limits, with further increases likely through summer.