Story perspectives
South Korea Bans Bear Bile Farming Starting January 1
12/30/2025
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Story summary
- South Korea will end its bear bile farming this week, banning breeding, possession, and bile extraction starting January 1 under a revised animal rights law that imposes prison penalties.
- About 200 bears remain in captivity, and 21 have been relocated to a sanctuary.
- This ban follows a 2022 agreement among officials, farmers, and animal rights groups to phase out bear bile farming by 2026.
