By Jun Ji-hye
Environment Minister Cho Myung-rae is facing a growing backlash from residents in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, for criticizing a regional ice fishing festival, according to officials at Hwacheon County Office Monday.
On Feb. 6, Cho told reporters that the annual Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, which kicked off Jan. 27, was an “undesirable event” designed to promote human enjoyment at the expense of animal life.
The popular winter fishing event hosted by Hwacheon, a remote mountain town, invites tourists to catch sancheoneo, a species of mountain trout, through holes in a vast frozen river and take part in other events such as sledding and ice soccer. These particular fish are known to live only in clean fresh water.
“The environment ministry will discuss its future policies related to festivals that take the lives of fish,” Cho said. 
The remarks have fueled anger from Hwacheon residents who say the festival is directly related to their livelihood, according to officials from Hwacheon County Office.
“Hwacheon is a small village which has a population of about 25,000. The festival is their bread and butter,” one of the officials told The Korea Times. “The festival has a long tradition. We don’t understand why the event is being criticized, while there are a lot more festivals that revolve around animals.”
Renowned novelist Lee Oi-su who served as the promotional ambassador for the festival claimed on his Facebook, Sunday, that the fish used in the festival are not wild but those raised in fish farms for the event.
“The event does not destroy the environment. Rather, it shows protecting the environment can bring about pleasure,” Lee said. “Plus, Hwacheon, which has been financially troubled, generates about 130 billion won ($109 million) from the festival.”
Rep. Kim Jin-tae from the opposition Liberty Korea Party also criticized the minister, saying Cho overlooked the livelihood issues of Hwacheo residents.
“Minister Cho should offer an apology to the residents for his remarks,” Kim said.
With the Hwacheon festival being often criticized by animal protection activist groups, 11 local groups jointly filed a complaint with the prosecution against Hwacheon Mayor Choi Moon-soon for alleged animal abuse, Jan. 9.
The Hwacheon County Office said it is planning to file a countersuit after reviewing the matter.
