"Bukang-i! Live well in the wide open sea. Thank you" ... Jeon Jae-soo bids an affectionate farewell to Bukang-i

[Financial News] As the shark Bukang-i, which entered the artificial canal at Busan North Port Waterfront Park and won the attention and affection of citizens, is set to be returned to the open sea, Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo offered an affectionate yet regretful farewell.
On the 29th, Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo posted a message on Facebook titled, "Bukang-i! Live well in the wide open sea."
Mayor Jeon began, "Bukang-i, it has already been 12 days since you came to Busan North Port. Everyone, children and adults alike, waited for you while gazing endlessly at the canal. Whenever you showed even the slightest glimpse of your fin, we cheered and cried out. You were simply so adorable that we couldn't get enough of you."
He added, "You were the most precious Chuseok gift for both Busan and South Korea, and a symbol that came to support Busan, Korea's Maritime Capital," saying, "The passion and cheers for you will become a single voice that makes Busan a more livable city and North Port a more beautiful waterfront."
He continued, "At the same time, I cannot help feeling sorry that climate change caused by human greed seems to have brought you to North Port," adding, "I wish we could see you again, but it seems the time has come to send you back to the open sea, leaving our sadness and regret behind."
He concluded, "Return to your broad, deep home waters and live a healthy and happy life. Stay safe, Bukang-i! Thank you."
Bukang-i, first spotted in the artificial canal at the waterfront park on the 18th, is a 3.5-meter-long shark.
After Bukang-i appeared in the canal at North Port Waterfront Park, people gathered to see the shark up close, giving nearby businesses, including convenience stores and cafes, an unexpected boost. The park's cumulative visitor count surpassed 600,000 by the 28th since Bukang-i was first spotted.
A field investigation by the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS) found that Bukang-i's activity level and breathing were relatively stable. However, the relevant authorities determined that the shark's feeding and free movement were restricted by conditions including the canal's width and depth and the route connecting it to the open sea. They particularly agreed that the shark should be guided back to its natural habitat, as its prolonged stay in the canal could gradually weaken it.
The Busan Coast Guard, NIFS and other relevant authorities launched a rescue operation for Bukang-i in the artificial canal at the waterfront park that morning.
Coast Guard vessels and other equipment were deployed in the canal, with plans to guide Bukang-i out by spraying jets of water from pumps. If that method fails, the authorities plan to use nets to guide the shark into the sea on the 2nd of next month.
[email protected] Kim Soo-yeon Reporter