Actor Daniel Henney helped rescue 67 dogs from a South Korean dog meat farm—part of a broader effort to shut down the industry ahead of a national ban—giving the animals a second chance at life in the U.S. through a mission led by Humane World for Animals.

In a powerful act of compassion and advocacy, actor Daniel Henney, renowned for his roles in “The Wheel of Time” and “Criminal Minds,” joined forces with Humane World for Animals to rescue 67 dogs from a dog meat farm in Cheongju, South Korea.

This farm, operational for over four decades, was shut down earlier in 2025 for violating the Animal Protection Act. The rescue marks a significant step in South Korea’s journey toward ending the dog meat industry, with a nationwide ban set to take effect by 2027.

The dogs, primarily Jindo mixes, included pregnant females and newborn puppies. Many suffered from malnutrition and bone deformities due to the deplorable conditions they endured.

Henney, a passionate dog lover and advocate, personally assisted in transferring the dogs from their cages into travel kennels, preparing them for their journey to a rehabilitation center in Maryland, USA.

Fifty of the dogs have already arrived, with the remaining seventeen set to follow once they are old enough to travel.

Henney’s involvement in this rescue is deeply personal. In 2020, he and his wife, Ru Kumagai, adopted Juliette, a golden retriever rescued from a South Korean dog meat farm.

Juliette’s transformation from a traumatized survivor to a beloved family member inspired Henney to intensify his efforts against the dog meat trade.

His advocacy includes public awareness campaigns and hosting fundraising events, such as the “To the Rescue!” gala, supporting organizations working to end the dog and cat meat trades globally.

The closure of the Cheongju farm is part of a broader movement in South Korea, where changing public attitudes and legislative actions are leading to the dismantling of the dog meat industry.

Humane World for Animals has been instrumental in this transformation, collaborating with farmers to transition to humane livelihoods, such as chili farming, and rescuing over 2,000 dogs from similar conditions.

Henney’s dedication to this cause extends beyond rescues. He has participated in public service announcements and subway ad campaigns in Seoul, urging compassion for dogs and highlighting the cruelty of the dog meat trade.

His efforts aim to shift cultural perceptions and encourage adoption of rescued dogs, demonstrating that these animals can thrive as loving companions.

As the rescued dogs begin their new lives in the United States, receiving veterinary care and preparing for adoption, Henney reflects on the significance of this mission.

“As a huge dog lover, and dad to a dog meat farm survivor, it was incredibly challenging to see the suffering of these dogs who have endured so much,” he stated. “It makes me all the prouder to have supported Humane World for Animals’ successful campaign to … .”

This rescue operation not only offers a second chance to the 67 dogs saved but also symbolizes a hopeful future where such suffering is relegated to history.

Through the combined efforts of advocates like Henney, animal welfare organizations, and legislative changes, South Korea is moving toward a more compassionate society that values the lives of all animals.