Animal creator and director of an abandoned animal rescue center, Lee Gang-tae, drew attention by revealing the realistic expense of pet care and the behind-the-scenes of shelter operations.
On the 14th episode of MBC entertainment Omniscient Interfering View (hereinafter Omniscient Interfering View) episode 385, Lee Gang-tae, who lives with seven pets, appeared as a guest and revealed his daily life. Known as the "K-animal dad," he candidly shared the realities of living with multiple pets.
That day Lee Gang-tae was asked about the reason he gained attention for the "cheating pet" videos. About why he started the channel, he said, "There are so many animals that I started it saying, 'You all earn your own keep,'" which drew laughter.
Lee Gang-tae, who said he once raised as many as nine pets, did not hide the realistic burden of food and hospital expenses. By current standards, he explained, "It costs about 300,000 won a month now, and hospital expenses are better calculated annually than monthly, but it costs 10 million to 20 million won a year." He then mentioned pets he lost to illness in the past, saying, "There were three friends who left due to illness before, and when caring for these friends it cost about 50 million to 60 million won each. Radiation therapy costs are not trivial," which elicited sympathy.
Lee Gang-tae's sense of responsibility did not stop at his personal pets. He said he established the shelter with the desire to save animals, and added that staff care for the animals with such passion that they sometimes do not even go home. Jun Hyun-moo asked, "Isn't a nonprofit organization not structured to make money? Hospital bills must be high — how do you cover them?"
In response, Lee Gang-tae said, "Last year, treatment costs at the center exceeded 200 million won," describing the reality of running the shelter. He said, "Donors are increasing," and explained, "Currently we cover hospital expenses with donations."
Lee Gang-tae's candid confession that life with pets and rescue activities cannot be sustained by affection alone prompted renewed reflection on responsible care and solidarity.
Meanwhile, Lee Gang-tae has built a fan base by sharing animal rescues and shelter operations on his YouTube channel Tmon and Pumba. He continuously shows videos of personally caring for abandoned or abused animals, and is praised for contributing to rescue efforts and the spread of adoption culture beyond simple animal content. In particular, by running the shelter himself he has carefully documented treatment, protection and rehabilitation processes to build trust, and this sincere approach has received positive responses among subscribers.<
[Photo] MBC's Omniscient Interfering View broadcast screen capture
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