Jeon Jae-soo: “I thought I was incredibly lucky thanks to Bukangi... but now I’m worried”

[Financial News] Busan Mayor Jeon Jae-soo voiced deep concern and worry about the health of Bukangi, a shark living in a waterway at North Port Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan.
At a press conference marking his 100th day in office at Busan City Hall on the 8th, Mayor Jeon was asked about Bukangi. He said, “We are monitoring it closely together with the National Institute of Fisheries Science,” and added, “We will take measures to ensure Bukangi isn’t stressed at night, either.”
“Until about a fortnight ago, I thought I was an unbelievably lucky mayor, and I just adored Bukangi,” Mayor Jeon said. “But lately, I’ve become worried,” he added, expressing concern about Bukangi’s health.
By the previous day, the cumulative number of visitors to North Port reported to Mayor Jeon had reached 1.06 million. “It has become the focus of so much attention and affection from citizens, but what if it were to develop health problems? I was recently told there were no signs of it feeding. It also keeps moving back and forth in a particular spot instead of ranging across the entire waterway,” Mayor Jeon said with concern.
Mayor Jeon is paying particularly close attention to the recent drop in water temperature and reports that Bukangi has not been feeding. “I received a report yesterday as well and told them to monitor it especially closely,” he said. “We are closely examining its health and monitoring it together with the National Institute of Fisheries Science.”
As Bukangi’s popularity has grown, concerns have been raised that visitors coming at night and shining flashlights, among other things, could disturb it. In response, Mayor Jeon said that around 105 personnel from relevant agencies—including Busan Metropolitan City, the Busan Facilities Corporation, the Busan Port Authority, the National Institute of Fisheries Science, Dong-gu Office, and the police and fire services—are normally on duty during the day. He said he would take measures to reduce Bukangi’s stress.

Meanwhile, responding to citizens who say Bukangi should be left where it is rather than forcibly removed, Mayor Jeon said, “I’ve seen a lot of comments saying, ‘Just leave it alone. Why do you keep trying to force it out?’ I’d like to do that too.” He added, “I’d like to leave it alone, but lately I’ve been very worried about issues such as the water temperature, its moving back and forth within a particular stretch, and the stress it experiences because of people. We are making careful preparations to ensure its health and safety aren’t put at risk.”
[email protected] Kim Hee-seon Reporter