(CNN) When South Korea's new president Moon Jae-in took up residency in the Blue House last month, his choice of pets raised some eyebrows. Unlike his predecessor, he didn't exclusively go for pure-bred white Jindo dogs renowned for their devout loyalty and stoic beauty. Instead he chose a rescue dog and cat (named Tory and Jjing-Jjing) -- a move hailed by animal rights activists. The mere image and civil act of Korea's new president showing compassion for abandoned and abused rescue animals will be both positive and powerful. South Korea is a modern country, but its progress when it comes to animal welfare lags behind its rapid economic development.

Source: CNN June 24, 2017 00:30 UTC