Intimate with Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, Also Trending on Chinese SNS
Must Return Next Year Due to Chinese Regulations
Chinese Netizens: "Only Fubao's Happiness Should Be Considered"
At Everland in Yongin, the first giant panda to be naturally bred in South Korea, 'Pubao,' is scheduled to return to China next year, sparking recent expressions of regret on social media platforms (SNS).
Born in July 2020 at Everland in Yongin, Pubao is the offspring of giant panda mother 'Aibao' and father 'Lebao.' Previously, Chinese President Xi Jinping gifted the female panda Aibao and the male panda Lebao to South Korea in 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China exchange.
Pubao gained great popularity, especially after the close bond with his caretaker, 'Panda Grandpa' Kang Cheol-won, was revealed through YouTube and other platforms. The short video titled 'Panda Grandpa and Arm-in-Arm Date' released on Everland's official YouTube channel recorded 15.72 million views.
However, unfortunately, Pubao must return to China in his fourth year of life when sexual maturity is reached for species breeding purposes. This is because China maintains its so-called 'panda diplomacy,' only lending endangered pandas overseas.
Chinese netizens have also expressed regret over this news. On Weibo, they commented, "Pubao is family with caretaker Kang Cheol-won. We hope Pubao stays in Korea to be happy," "Would Pubao be happy coming to China without his caretaker?" and "We should only think about Pubao's happiness."
Currently, giant pandas live on loan in 22 zoos across 18 countries, including South Korea. China receives approximately 1 million USD (about 1.2 billion KRW) per panda pair as a breeding research fund. Pubao's parents, Aibao and Lebao, who were also loaned in 2016, are expected to return to China in 2031.
Regarding this, caretaker Kang Cheol-won appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' and explained, "Pandas reach sexual maturity at four years old. Since there are only mom and dad in Korea, Pubao needs to go to China to meet other pandas." He added, "Although it is very regrettable, ultimately Pubao must return to a place where he can live well." He further stated, "We need to coordinate the timing with the China Conservation Association, but no agreement or decision has been made yet."
Meanwhile, thanks to his cute appearance and playful behavior, Pubao has been greatly loved in South Korea and has even earned nicknames such as 'Yongin Pussi' and 'Pugongju.'
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