A group of animal rights activists faced legal repercussions after an appeals court upheld a previous ruling that deemed their unauthorized entry and filming of a dog breeding facility as illegal. On August 28, 2024, the activists entered a breeding facility in Haenam, South Jeolla Province, without the owner's consent, and broadcasted their findings live online. They claimed the facility was involved in illegal slaughtering and animal cruelty, alerting local authorities in the process. However, their actions were classified as a violation of property laws, and the court maintained that their motivation did not justify their unlawful entry.

The initial ruling imposed fines ranging from 3 million to 4 million KRW, which the activists challenged in the appeals process. Their defense argued that they were compelled by the need to document potential animal abuse, but the court rejected this, emphasizing the availability of legal avenues to report such wrongdoing without resorting to unlawful methods. The appeals court confirmed the original decision, stating that the severity of the penalties was appropriate given the circumstances, thus highlighting the legal boundaries of activism and the importance of adhering to laws even in the pursuit of noble causes.

This case sheds light on the tensions between animal rights activism and property laws, illustrating the challenges activists may face when attempting to expose animal cruelty. It raises questions regarding the methods used in advocacy and the legal framework that governs such actions in South Korea, prompting a broader discussion about the balance between protecting animal rights and respecting private property rights.