A Fan Community Member of Fubao Raises Advertising Funds Directly
Petition Demanding Fubao's Return to Korea Also Posted on National Petition Site
Amid growing suspicions that Fubao is being mistreated locally in China, an advertisement urging measures for Fubao appeared on a digital billboard in Times Square, New York, USA. On the 2nd, the Fubao fan community 'Fubao Gallery' uploaded two advertisement videos, each about 15 seconds long. These videos were broadcast around 10 a.m. local time on May 31 on the Times Square digital billboard, and the advertising costs were raised directly by members of the Fubao fan community.
Amid growing suspicions that Pubao is being mistreated locally in China, an advertisement calling for measures against Pubao appeared on the electronic billboard in Times Square, New York, USA. [Photo source=Pubao fan community]
The video featured images of three trucks along with the phrase, "We can do this (truck protest) anytime, anywhere again." The Fubao Gallery operators who ran the advertising campaign said, "It was not intended to inform foreigners about Fubao's situation," but added, "However, since it is certain that Chinese base officials are aware of the actions of Korean fans, our goal was to display content that would make them feel uneasy when they see it, and after numerous attempts, we succeeded in placing the advertisement."
Why Fubao Fans Are Holding Truck Protests
Earlier, on April 27, Fubao fans held a truck protest near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. At that time, the truck billboards displayed phrases such as "Believed in princess treatment, but clarify the facts or explanations about the hospitality acts" and "Love Fubao, No Abuse, Yes Respect." The reason for the truck protest was the suspicion that after Fubao returned to China in April, she was receiving poor treatment locally. Several photos showing Fubao were leaked through Chinese social media platforms Xiaohongshu and Weibo. These photos showed someone touching Fubao with bare hands or appearing to feed her. On Fubao's neck in the photos, there were marks and hair loss that seemed to be caused by wearing a collar. Consequently, a national petition demanding Fubao's return was also submitted.
Earlier, Fubao fans held a truck protest near the Chinese Embassy in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul on the 27th of last month. At that time, the truck's electronic billboard displayed phrases such as "You promised princess treatment, now admit or explain the alleged hospitality behavior" and "Love Fubao, No Abuse, Yes respect." [Photo by Online Community]
In response to the controversy, Chinese authorities stated that the rumors surrounding Fubao were not true. On April 27, China Central Television (CCTV) reported, "Fubao completed quarantine and inspection on May 4," and "She was moved to the Wolong Shensuping Base of the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center to adapt to the environment." They added, "Currently, Fubao's adaptation is peaceful and normal," and "She is in good condition and will meet the public in June." Furthermore, they said, "To help Fubao better integrate into the panda group at the panda center, the base has taken special measures to allow Fubao to spend a certain amount of time in the nursery."
Meanwhile, the large digital billboards in Times Square, which are passed by about 400,000 pedestrians and 120,000 drivers daily, are famous for their high advertising effectiveness and expensive advertising fees. The cost varies depending on the billboard's location and broadcast time. According to statistics released by Investopedia, a U.S. investment advertising information company, the daily advertising cost for large digital billboards in Times Square ranges from $5,000 to $50,000.
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