In the glittering world of reality TV, where drama often unfolds under studio lights, Pete Wicks has long been known as the charismatic Essex lad from The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE), charming audiences with his wit and vulnerability. But beneath the glamour lies a man whose true calling is far more pawsome: a fierce advocate for animal welfare, quietly dedicating his life to saving those who cannot speak for themselves. In one of the most inspiring chapters of his journey, Pete embarked on a clandestine mission that would test his heart and soul—rescuing over 170 dogs from the horrors of a dog meat farm in South Korea. This wasn’t a scripted scene; it was a raw, life-altering act of compassion that has left fans worldwide in awe.

The story begins in the squalid confines of a Namyangju farm, one of thousands in South Korea where an estimated 2.5 million dogs are bred annually for human consumption. These animals endure unimaginable cruelty: crammed into tiny, filthy cages, deprived of sunlight, fresh air, and affection, their days numbered by electrocution or slaughter for dishes like bosintang soup. Pete, moved by harrowing videos from previous rescues, couldn’t stand idly by. Partnering with Humane Society International (HSI), a global organization committed to ending the dog meat trade, he joined a team of rescuers in late 2017 for what he later called “the most emotional experience of my life.”

Touching down in the chilly Korean winter, Pete stepped into a nightmare. The air reeked of despair as volunteers pried open rusted cages, revealing a heartbreaking mosaic of breeds—golden retrievers with matted fur, beagles with pleading eyes, Korean jindos trembling in fear, and mastiffs too weak to stand. Many had never felt a gentle hand; some bore scars from beatings or malnutrition. “Seeing their terror broke me,” Pete reflected, his voice cracking in interviews. “But then they’d wag their tails, like they still trusted us. That humility—it humbles you.” For days, the team worked tirelessly, administering vaccines, providing nourishing food, and offering the first cuddles these dogs had ever known. Pete, sleeves rolled up, bottle-fed puppies and soothed the anxious adults, forming instant bonds that transcended language and borders.

The rescue wasn’t just extraction; it was transformation. HSI’s approach goes beyond liberation—they offer farmers alternative livelihoods, like vegetable farming, to dismantle the trade sustainably. This farm’s closure marked the tenth such victory for the charity, a beacon of hope amid cultural shifts in South Korea, where public opposition to dog meat is surging. Even the newly elected President Moon Jae-in adopted a rescue dog, signaling potential legal change. Of the 170 saved souls, 13 boarded a flight to the UK with Pete, including a golden retriever he personally advocated for. Quarantined and vetted, they found forever homes in the UK, US, and Canada—proof that one mission can ripple into countless happy endings.

Pete’s involvement didn’t stop at the farm. Back home, he smuggled stories of resilience into his public life, using his platform to amplify the cause. His own pack—rescues Eric (adopted from Dogs Trust in 2015) and Peggy (from Lithuania)—served as living testaments to second chances. This passion fueled his 2025 TV series Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake, where he immersed himself in UK rehoming centers, aiding everything from newborn puppy weigh-ins to rehoming terminally ill giants like Theo, a Neapolitan mastiff with a failing heart. “Dogs are central to my life,” Pete says. “They teach us unconditional love—no judgments, just loyalty.”

Fans, once captivated by TOWIE romances, now celebrate Pete as a real-life hero. Social media exploded with messages: “From reality star to rescuer—you’re changing the world, one wag at a time!” His efforts have boosted adoptions by 30% at Dogs Trust centers and inspired petitions urging Korean lawmakers to ban the trade. Yet Pete remains humble: “The real heroes are the volunteers and staff. I’m just the guy who shows up with treats.”

Pete Wicks’ secret mission reminds us that true stardom isn’t measured in ratings, but in the lives we lift. In a world quick to forget the voiceless, his actions bark louder than words: compassion can conquer cruelty, and one person’s heart can save a pack. As these 170 dogs chase tails in safe yards, their savior continues the fight—proving that every hero starts with a single, unbreakable bond.