Grandfather Choi Jae-geon in Cheongdo sold all his fields and paddies to raise fighting bulls

The story of grandfather Choi Jae-geon, who cares for 16 fighting bulls at a farm in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province, has been shared. To the extent that he sold all the fields and paddies he had cultivated through a lifetime of farming to pour into raising fighting bulls, the bulls hold a meaning for him that goes far beyond being mere livestock.

From 'Hwahaksan' with a missing horn to the veteran 'Haebyeongi', the daily life of 16 fighting bulls

According to a video from KBS Animal TV : Animal for You animal4u, grandfather Choi Jae-geon is currently raising 16 fighting bulls at a farm in Cheongdo, North Gyeongsang Province. Among them, the bull receiving the most affection from the grandfather is 'Hwahaksan'. Hwahaksan is causing concern for the grandfather as it recently suffered an injury where the base of its horn came off during a match. In the video, the worrisome situation was conveyed, stating regarding Hwahaksan's condition, "It's not that the root came out. It's currently an open wound." Since Hwahaksan, weighing nearly 400kg, was a bull that brought victories, the grandfather's heart is heavy regarding whether it can participate in matches even in its injured state.

On the other hand, in another cattle shed, there is 'Haebyeongi', who has a small build and many scars on its head. Haebyeongi is a veteran who has been active in the bullfighting ring for 12 years, which corresponds to old age in human years. Recently, its winning rate has been continuously dropping as it is pushed aside by young and strong bulls, and it causes the grandfather heartache as the bruises and pain on its head do not easily subside after matches. The grandfather conveyed the hardships of the veteran bull by mentioning the condition of Haebyeongi's head, which has been used in the bullfighting ring for 12 years.

Extreme devotion toward the bulls, from herbal decoction water to supplements

The grandfather does his best for the health of the bulls. In the video, considering that the bulls like cool things, he is shown feeding them a mixture of herbal decoction water, high-quality hay, feed, and supplements. Usually, he meticulously takes care of even the bulls' appetites by providing this prepared food divided before and after matches. To the grandfather, who feels full just by watching the bulls eat well, the bulls are like "my own children."

This passion is also revealed in the plaques and trophies left throughout the house. Grandfather Choi Jae-geon's wife, grandmother Kim Yeong-ja, shared the years of silently supporting her husband's stubborn love for fighting bulls, saying, "With the money earned from raising bulls so far, we sold all the fields and paddies." The grandfather even expressed a desire to increase the number of bulls to thirty as long as he has the strength. Saying, "If you do what you want to do, your heart does not grow old," the grandfather continues his passion for the bulls even amidst the taxing farm work.

Haebyeongi's fasting for weight control before a match

There is a gateway that fighting bulls must pass through before a match. It is weight control to meet the designated weight. In the video, the case of 'Haebyeongi', whose match is scheduled for two days later, was introduced. Haebyeongi's maximum entry weight standard is below 700kg, but Haebyeongi's current weight is in a state of far exceeding the standard, being mentioned as "725 725" or "700 726."

To prevent a situation where he might not be able to participate in a match due to a 1kg difference, the grandfather adjusts Haebyeongi's diet. In the video, while the sound of other bulls eating fodder deliciously can be heard, Haebyeongi, who must meet the weight, is placed in a situation where he must starve for the match. While worrying about methods to meet the weight, saying "I'll go tomorrow morning," the grandfather prepares for the match while agonizing between the health and weight of the aged Haebyeongi.