HABI Global to launch as South Korea's first human-animal bond research organization

HABI Global, South Korea's first professional organization dedicated to studying the Human-Animal Bond (HAB), will officially launch on November 20 at KINTEX in Goyang. The launch will be marked by the ‘Human-Animal Bonding & Interaction Forum 2026’, held alongside the Mega Zoo Ilsan Season 2 pet industry expo.

The organization aims to bridge veterinary medicine, medicine, psychology, and social welfare to research how interaction with pets affects cardiovascular health, mental health, child development, and elderly welfare. While international research has extensively documented these benefits—including studies suggesting pet ownership can significantly reduce dementia risks and public healthcare costs—South Korea has lacked an interdisciplinary platform to integrate these findings into clinical practice, industry, and policy.

The forum will feature lectures from experts including Yoshio Koshimura, former CEO of Hill's Japan, Dr. Mi-na Yoo, and Professor Chul-yong Hwang of Seoul National University. A panel discussion involving industry and academic experts will follow, concluding with the official inauguration of HABI Global.