The article by Jung Jin-a examines the concerning trend of viewing small animals, like hamsters, as disposable items in South Korea, as evidenced by their low market prices. With hamsters priced as low as 7,000 won, this perception not only reduces their inherent value in society but also creates a dangerous environment where life is treated as a commodity. This attitude can lead potential owners to see these animals merely as objects that can be easily replaced when they become inconvenient or broken, highlighting a significant ethical flaw in how we regard animal lives.

The recent incident of animal abuse involving a man who publicly tortured 22 small animals, including hamsters and guinea pigs, serves as a tragic example of this mindset. By showing these animals being abused for entertainment on social media and gaining a following for such acts, the incident underscores the dangerous implications of treating animals as easily replaceable objects. The swift replacement of the abused hamsters with new animals only days later reinforces a culture of consumption that lacks empathy for these vulnerable creatures.

Moreover, the author emphasizes that the physical abuse of animals is just one layer of harm; the ignorance of many consumers is a more insidious form of violence. Providing inadequate care and disregarding the needs of these small animals perpetuates their suffering. The plight of the hamsters, marketed as low-cost pets, illustrates the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards small animals, advocating for their recognition as sentient beings deserving of respect and proper care, rather than mere commodities.