Lim Young-woong’s Dog Siwol: Coton de Tulear Story
If you have seen Korean singer Lim Young-woong with a fluffy white dog beside him, that dog is Siwol, his Coton de Tulear. Siwol became especially familiar to viewers through the 2026 SBS variety show Sangol Chonggak Yeongung (산골총각 영웅), where everyday moments between the singer and his dog became part of the show.
Siwol’s story is also more unusual than a planned puppy adoption. Lim Young-woong originally expected to care for him for only about a week. The temporary arrangement eventually became permanent, and Siwol became his dog.
What Breed Is Lim Young-woong’s Dog Siwol?
Siwol is a Coton de Tulear, a small companion breed known for its soft, cotton-like white coat.
Reports introducing Siwol identify his birthday as December 7, 2023. That makes him two years old as of August 2026.
The American Kennel Club describes the Coton de Tulear as a small but sturdy companion dog from Madagascar. The breed is known for being bright, cheerful, and strongly attached to its people. Cotons often enjoy staying near their owners and following them around the home.
Those breed traits make some of Siwol’s television appearances especially interesting, although a dog’s individual behavior should never be explained by breed alone. Training, socialization, environment, and personality all matter.
Siwol Was Supposed to Stay for Only One Week
Lim Young-woong did not originally bring Siwol home as part of a long-planned adoption.
According to accounts of his earlier livestream, an acquaintance’s dog café was closing, and Lim agreed to take care of Siwol temporarily. The initial plan was for Siwol to stay for roughly one week. Instead, the arrangement continued, and Lim eventually decided to keep him.
That background changes the way their relationship on television can be viewed. Siwol did not simply appear as a celebrity’s newly purchased puppy. Their bond grew out of living together after what began as short-term care.
Siwol’s Tricks and Daily Life on the SBS Show
On Sangol Chonggak Yeongung, Siwol was shown doing more than quietly sitting beside Lim Young-woong.
In one episode, he responded to cues for “hand,” “nose,” and “high five” in succession while Lim praised him. Later footage also showed a larger group of learned behaviors, including turning around, lying down, and playing dead.
Viewers also saw ordinary interactions between the two. Lim held and comforted Siwol, spent time with him during the day, and included him naturally in life at the country house.
These scenes fit with the Coton de Tulear’s history as a companion breed. The AKC notes that Cotons tend to form close relationships with their people and often prefer being where their family is.
Still, Siwol’s willingness to respond to cues should not be treated as proof that every Coton will behave the same way. Consistent training and the relationship between an individual dog and owner also shape these behaviors.
Sangol Chonggak Yeongung Ended in August 2026
The SBS program began on June 23, 2026, and ended on August 4, 2026. SBS lists the show’s full broadcast period as June 23 through August 4.
By the time the series ended, Siwol had become more than a background pet. His training sessions, quiet time with Lim, and habit of staying close to the people around him gave viewers a look at an actual dog-owner relationship rather than a staged introduction.
For dog lovers discovering Siwol outside Korea, the simplest answer is this: Siwol is a Coton de Tulear born on December 7, 2023, who entered Lim Young-woong’s life through a temporary care arrangement that became a permanent adoption. His television appearances also show why this people-oriented companion breed can be so appealing—but Siwol’s personality and training are uniquely his own.
Sources:
American Kennel Club — Coton de Tulear Dog Breed Information
SBS — Sangol Chonggak Yeongung Program Information
Xports News — Lim Young-woong and Siwol Television Coverage
Max Movie — Siwol Breed and Birthday Coverage
