"Bring Fubao with Taxes" Petition... Seoul City "Wishes Happiness in China"

"Let Pubaos Be Leased for a Fee in China" Petition

There have been ongoing petitions to bring back the giant panda 'Pubao,' who recently left Korea to start anew in China, to Korea. The Seoul Metropolitan Government has stated that this is practically impossible.

On the 17th, the Animal Planning Division of Seoul said through the citizen participation platform 'Sangsangdaero Seoul' operated by the city, "From Pubao's perspective, we hope that Pubao will adapt well to the environment in China where he will live from now on and live happily."

"Petition to allow viewing of Pubao at Seoul Grand Park"

Giant panda 'Pubao'. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Earlier, on the 8th, a citizen proposal titled "Please consider allowing the panda Pubao, returned to China, to be viewed at Seoul Grand Park" was posted on 'Sangsangdaero Seoul.'

The author, Mr. Kim, said, "I hope that Pubao, the Everland panda, can be leased from China for a fee and brought to Seoul Grand Park," adding, "Please consider leasing Pubao for a fee using donations from Seoul citizens and the Seoul city budget so that citizens can view him at Seoul Grand Park, and so that Chinese visitors coming for the Korean Wave can meet Pubao, a symbol of Korea-China friendship." The post received 1,150 likes and 475 dislikes.

Seoul Animal Planning Division: "We fully empathize with the painful feelings, but..."

Giant panda 'Pubao'. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Seoul Animal Planning Division responded to the post, saying, "We believe this suggestion was made with the hope that Pubao, who was born at Everland and received much love and attention, would return to Korea, and that even by leasing him at Seoul Grand Park, Pubao could be brought back to our country."

They continued, "Seoul Grand Park also fully empathizes with the many citizens who feel heartbroken about Pubao, who was loved domestically, returning to China," but indicated that leasing for a fee is practically impossible. Finally, we thank you for your special affection and love for Pubao expressed through this suggestion, and we wish your family health and happiness."

Meanwhile, Pubao was born on July 20, 2020, between Lubao and Aibao, pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. Pubao, the first giant panda born in Korea, was affectionately called 'Yongin Pussi,' 'Pugongju,' and 'Putuntun,' and left for the Chinese Shensuping Base on the 3rd, 1,354 days after birth.