When The Only Way Is Essex heart-throb Pete Wicks boarded a plane to South Korea, no one — not even his closest friends — knew what he was about to do. What began as a quiet humanitarian trip would soon become one of the most emotional journeys of his life: a mission to free 170 innocent dogs from a brutal meat farm where their fate was sealed.
A Journey Into the Dark
Far from the red carpets and cameras of Essex, Pete found himself walking through rows of rusted cages in Namyangju — a place where hope was replaced by silence. The smell, the fear, and the sound of whimpering filled the air. “It was like stepping into a nightmare,” Pete later admitted. “Some of them were too scared to move… yet their tails still wagged when we approached.”
The 28-year-old joined forces with Humane Society International, an organisation fighting to close down Korea’s dog-meat farms. What he saw there would haunt him forever: golden retrievers, beagles, jindos — all trembling, their eyes begging for mercy.
The Moment Everything Changed
Pete’s voice cracked when he recalled one particular moment: “I picked up this tiny puppy, smaller than my hand, and she licked my face. She’d known nothing but pain, yet she trusted me instantly. That broke me.”
Unable to leave them behind, Pete filled his luggage with hope — literally. He brought 13 rescued dogs back to the UK, including a golden retriever, a beagle, and several Korean jindos. “I love my own dog Eric with all my heart,” he said. “I couldn’t bear the thought of him living a single day in a place like that.”
A Man Transformed
To his million Instagram followers, Pete might be known for tattoos and TOWIE drama. But behind the rugged image is a man whose heart beats fiercely for the voiceless. Dressed in the green HSI uniform, he posted photos cradling terrified puppies, their eyes wide but hopeful. “No words or pictures can describe the suffering I’ve seen,” he wrote. “But with your help, we can end it.”
Within hours, donations poured in. Fans called him “Britain’s real-life Dr Dolittle.” Others said he’d restored their faith in humanity.
From Fame to Purpose
When asked where he’ll keep all those dogs, Pete laughed softly: “I’ll find a way. You don’t measure space when it comes to saving lives.” Friends say his London flat has turned into a mini sanctuary, filled with squeaks, barks, and second chances.
Yet the trip left a scar — and a mission. “I can’t unsee what I saw,” he said quietly. “But maybe that’s the point. Maybe we’re supposed to see it, so we can stop it.”
Hope Beyond Borders
Since his return, Pete has partnered with rescue groups across Europe to rehome the remaining 157 dogs. Many now sleep on soft beds for the first time, their nightmares replaced by belly rubs and laughter.
“The way they forgave humanity after everything,” he said, “that’s real strength. We think we’re saving them — but maybe they’re the ones saving us.”
A Legacy of Love
Pete Wicks’ story isn’t just about rescuing dogs; it’s about rediscovering compassion in a world that often forgets it. From the cages of Namyangju to the living rooms of Britain, his mission has turned pain into purpose, fear into freedom — and silence into a chorus of happy barks.
Some heroes wear capes. Pete Wicks wears paw prints on his heart.