"Civil Proposal to Bring Fubao Back Using Taxes... Against 'Deportation' from China"

"Paid Rental with Seoul City Budget" Proposal Sparks Debate
Opponents Claim "Waste of Public Funds and Animal Cruelty"

As a citizen proposal to bring back the giant panda Fubao, who was returned to China, to Korea was posted on the Seoul city complaint board, a counter-post demanding the proposer be deported to China also appeared, sparking a heated debate.

On the 13th, a post titled "Please deport those who want to bring Fubao back with taxpayers' money to China" was uploaded on the 'Imagine Seoul' website. The author, a citizen named Jo, stated, "Stop wasting taxpayers' money unnecessarily and just deport them to China," adding, "Why are they trying to give money to China? It doesn't seem like Fubao is the main purpose. An ideological screening seems necessary."

Fans of Fubao are seen bidding farewell to a special vehicle carrying Fubao at the Rose Garden in Everland, Yongin, on the 3rd. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The post received comments such as, "I agree. The country's economy is struggling, yet they ask to spend taxes on something like this. They seem to be lost in sentiment and unable to face reality," and "All pandas originally belong to China. Since it was mating season, the panda returned to China, so asking to spend taxes to bring it back to our country sounds crazy. Rather, those who like Fubao should pool money to bring it back, but it shouldn't be done with Seoul citizens' taxes."

Another citizen, Lee, posted under the title "Strong opposition to using national taxpayers' money to rent Fubao." He argued, "Fubao has the right to enjoy mating and a spacious environment, so bringing it back to Korea for exhibition is animal abuse," and pointed out, "Who will bear the hundreds of millions in rental fees and panda management costs that must be paid to China every year? The petition to cover this with taxpayers' money is irrational." He also criticized, "The mere selfish desire to see it in front of one's eyes and narcissistic delusions should remain just delusions."

Earlier, on the 8th, a proposal titled "Please consider allowing the panda Fubao, returned to China, to be viewed at Seoul Grand Park" was posted, marking the start of this controversy. The proposer, Kim, said, "Please rent Fubao with Seoul citizens' donations and Seoul city budget on a paid basis so that visitors to Seoul Grand Park can view it, and allow visiting Chinese tourists to meet Fubao, the symbol of Korea-China friendship."

Another citizen pleaded, "Everland's Kang Cheol-won and zookeeper Song Young-kwan worked hard to raise Fubao. Why Seoul Grand Park? I know bringing Fubao back to Korea is very difficult, but if it can be done, I think it should be brought to Everland. I earnestly ask to bring Fubao back to Everland."

The last appearance of the giant panda 'Pubao,' revealed on the 3rd of last month. Pubao began preparations to move to China the day after the reveal. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The giant panda 'Fubao' was born in Korea on July 20, 2020, through natural breeding between mother Aibao and father Lebao. Fubao's parents were sent in March 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. Fubao lived at Everland in Yongin and was much loved, but according to the 'Giant Panda Conservation Research Agreement,' pandas born outside China must be returned to China before reaching four years old, the mating age. Accordingly, Fubao was returned on the 3rd to the Wolong Xian Suping Base in Sichuan Province, China.