The majesty of 'Bukang-i' that even removed fishing nets... The bewitching shark that captivated 810,000 people in just 16 days

[Financial News] 'Bukang-i,' a shark that has been staying in the artificial waterway of Busan North Port Waterfront Park for over ten days, crossed the barrier net and returned to the waterway just one day after the second rescue operation. Consequently, Busan Metropolitan City decided to monitor Bukang-i's movements for the time being, having completely removed the net that had been installed while leaving open the possibility of the shark moving on its own.

According to relevant authorities, including Busan Metropolitan City and the Coast Guard, on the 3rd, at around 12:02 PM that day, Bukang-i crossed a large net installed during the rescue operation the previous day and returned to the waterway between the 4th and 5th pedestrian bridges, where it frequently appeared.
Earlier, rescue authorities launched a second guiding operation the previous day by deploying a large net measuring 50 meters in length and 6.8 meters in height near the 4th pedestrian bridge to guide Bukang-i into the sea. However, when Bukang-i did not move any further at a point about 100 meters outside the waterway, authorities halted operations while securing the net to prevent Bukang-i's return.
However, it was determined that due to strong winds on that day, some of the buoys placed in the middle of the waterway sank, and as the water level rose due to high tide, a gap opened up at the top of the net, and Bukang-i took advantage of this gap and crossed into the waterway.
Accordingly, at around 4:20 PM, Busan Metropolitan City completely removed the net to secure a passage for Bukang-i to move into the sea on its own. Authorities plan to observe Bukang-i's movements and health condition without any additional artificial rescue operations and explore future response measures.
"It is a very unusual situation for bull sharks, which are long-distance migratory species, to stay in such a narrow waterway for an extended period," explained Kim Hyun-woo, a researcher at the National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS).

Upon hearing the news that Bukang-i had returned, the area around the waterfront park was bustling with crowds eager to see the shark over the weekend. As Bukang-i swam vigorously back into the waterway, citizens visiting the site applauded and cheered. According to Busan Facilities Corporation, the cumulative number of visitors to the park over the 16 days from the 19th of last month, when Bukang-i was first spotted, until today reached 818,800.
Meanwhile, the 'Bukang-i Syndrome' is spreading to the political sphere. Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, posted on his social media today, stating, "Bukang-i revived interest in the North Port and the value of the park," and proposed, "Let's carry the attention gathered at the North Port toward the 'North Port Dome Arena'."
The construction of a dome arena was a major campaign pledge of current Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo during the June 3 local elections. Kim Min-seok emphasized, "A 50,000-seat dome arena befitting the status of K-culture is necessary," adding that "it will be the grand finale of the North Port redevelopment initiated by former President Roh Moo-hyun."

[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter