North Koreans are being encouraged to eat dog soup as the country grapples with a severe heatwave that has broken century-old temperature records. The advice comes from a state newspaper interview with a leading doctor, who touted the dish as a remedy for heat-related ailments.
State Media Promotes Dog Soup as Health Remedy
The Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's official newspaper, published an interview with a top physician recommending that citizens consume "sweet meat soup," a euphemism for dog meat soup, locally known as dangogi guk. The article claims the dish is "highly nutritious" and can help counter symptoms of heat stroke, including "cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism," according to the South China Morning Post.
The soup has also been traditionally believed to enhance virility in men and boost immune systems. This cultural belief, combined with the current health crisis, has made the recommendation a focal point of state guidance.
Kim Jong Un's Personal Preference
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is known to be an enthusiast of dog meat soup, often serving it at dinner parties and state events. Pyongyang, the capital, boasts a dedicated dog meat restaurant specializing in dangogi guk, reflecting the dish's acceptance among the elite.
Record-Breaking Heatwave Hits Korean Peninsula
The advice comes as the Korean Peninsula endures its worst heatwave in over a century. Both North and South Korea are experiencing record-breaking temperatures that have scorched farmland and overwhelmed hospitals with heat-related cases. The extreme weather has exacerbated food and health challenges in the North, where the state is promoting dietary solutions to mitigate the impact.
While the scientific community remains divided on the health benefits of dog meat, the North Korean government's endorsement underscores its cultural significance and practical utility in times of crisis.
