Expert: "Species Identification Impossible... If a Snake, Likely an Invasive Large Snake Species"
A claim has been made about the discovery of an unidentified strange creature in the Han River. / Photo by JTBC, captured from 'Sageonbanjang'
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A mysterious creature swimming in the Han River has been captured on video, sparking public interest.
On the 7th, JTBC's 'Incident Captain' introduced a video filmed by a tipster who spotted a strange creature while driving across Banpodaegyo Bridge around 5 p.m. on the 6th. The video shows an elongated creature swimming in the river.
The tipster, Mr. A, said, "It looked like a giant eel about 10 meters long to the naked eye," adding, "It was a very frightening and astonishing sight."
After the video was broadcast, similar sightings were reported online. Netizen Mr. B claimed, "Around 9 p.m. on the 6th, I saw a similar object in front of a convenience store near Jamsildaegyo Bridge. At first, I thought it was a large log, but the top and bottom moved separately, so I wondered if it was a balloon. Somehow, I think it was that creature."
Dr. Minseok Do, an amphibian and reptile researcher at the National Institute of Biological Resources, who viewed the video, said, "Since the video was taken from too far away, no patterns are visible. It seems impossible to identify the species." He analyzed, "If it is a reptile or snake, it is likely an exotic species."
He added, "There are cases where snakes up to 8 to 9 meters long are kept as pets in Korea, so it could be a large snake."
Netizens expressed curiosity with comments such as, "If it looks that big even from that distance, I wonder what it is," "It doesn't seem like a snake. Snakes swim by lifting their heads or moving side to side, but this is different," "Judging by the water ripples, it seems to be a living creature," and "Is this the live-action version of the movie 'The Host'?"
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