Screen Legend and Provocateur Passes Away
Hey everyone! So, some really big news just came out of France that has a surprising connection to Korea. The legendary French actress Brigitte Bardot has passed away at 91 years old. For those who might not know her, think of a French Marilyn Monroe from the 1950s and 60s—she was a huge star and a global fashion icon, famous for films like “And God Created Woman.” But after retiring from acting at just 39, she began a whole new chapter of her life that often put her in the headlines here in Korea for a totally different reason.
A Second Life: Animal Rights Activism
After leaving the film industry in 1973, Bardot dedicated her entire life to animal rights. She started the Brigitte Bardot Foundation in 1986, auctioning off her own jewelry to fund it and becoming one of the world’s most famous, and fiercest, animal welfare advocates. She campaigned against everything from the seal hunt to the fur trade. And that powerful voice eventually turned its attention to Korea.
The Controversy: Bardot vs. Korea’s Dog Meat Culture
For many Koreans, especially from our parents’ generation, Brigitte Bardot is most famous for her intense criticism of Korea’s dog meat consumption. Starting in the 1990s, she called the practice “barbaric” and led campaigns to boycott Korean products. She even sent a letter to the Korean president back in 1994 urging a ban.
At the time, her comments caused a huge stir. Many people felt her criticism was one-sided and didn’t respect cultural differences, leading to a lot of backlash. There was even a famous moment in 2001 when she hung up during a live radio interview with a Korean host, which really solidified her controversial image here.
A Different Korea Today
What’s interesting is looking back on this from 2025. While her methods were controversial, the issue itself has seen a massive shift in Korea. The dog meat trade has been officially banned here now, and honestly, almost no one in my generation eats it. The culture has changed so much from within.
So, as we hear the news of her passing, it’s a moment to look back on a really complex piece of cultural history. Brigitte Bardot was an undeniable icon, but in Korea, she’ll always be remembered as the fiery activist who sparked a fierce and unforgettable debate.
