Hong Jun-pyo: "Fubao is a panda returning to its hometown... I don't understand the obsession"

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo Visits Chengdu Until the 29th
Draws the Line on 'Are You Bringing Puba?' Question
"Just a Panda Returning Home... Why the Obsession?" Sharp Remark

Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo will visit Chengdu City in Sichuan Province, China, for a 5-night, 6-day trip from the 24th to the 29th. When questions related to 'Pubao' arose, Mayor Hong drew a clear line, saying, "Pubao is just a panda returning to its hometown."

(From left) Hong Jun-pyo, Mayor of Daegu, Phu Bao.
Photo by Yonhap News, Asia Economy

On the 23rd, an online community called 'Youth's Dream' posted a question asking, "I heard Pubao lives in Chengdu, China. Are you bringing Pubao with you?" Youth's Dream is an online political community established by Mayor Hong during his tenure as the 21st National Assembly member, where young people ask questions and Mayor Hong responds. As Mayor Hong announced his visit to Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, a sister city, and since the Chengdu Panda Base, where Pubao lives, is located in Chengdu, this question seems to have been raised.

In response to the question, "Are you bringing Poobah along?" Hong Joon-pyo, the mayor of Daegu, replied, "I don't understand the intentions of those who are obsessed with Poobah."
[Photo by Cheongnyeonui Kkum]

In response to the post, Mayor Hong said, "Pubao is just a panda who was at Yongin Natural Farm (the former name of Everland) and has returned to its hometown," adding, "I don't understand the intentions of those who are obsessed with Pubao."

Meanwhile, Pubao was born on July 20, 2020, at Yongin Everland, between Lubao and Aibao. On the 1354th day since birth, on the 3rd, Pubao returned to China and is currently in quarantine at the Shenshuping (神樹坪) base in Wolong, Sichuan Province. As Korea's first naturally bred panda, Pubao received great love in Korea. On the 8th, a petition was raised in Seoul to rent Pubao for a fee and bring him to Seoul Grand Park. In response, Seoul Grand Park stated, "Considering Pubao's perspective once more, we hope that Pubao will adapt well to the environment in China where he will live from now on and live happily," and declined the request.