In brief
A massive shark, locally called Bukangi, has become a city‑wide spectacle in Busan as residents flood the canal to watch it glide through the water. After two failed rescue attempts, authorities launched a third operation, deploying nets to guide the animal toward an open channel. Local experts say warm canal waters and abundant fish lured the shark far from its natural habitat. Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon highlighted the tension among rescuers and the community’s hope for a successful release. The outcome may set a precedent for future wildlife rescues in urban waterways.
A curious 9‑foot‑10‑inch shark, dubbed Bukangi by locals, has attracted throngs of onlookers in Busan’s canal, prompting a third attempt to guide the creature back to the sea.
First spotted last month, Bukangi has become a local icon, with residents and tourists gathering daily to watch the animal glide through the waterway. Despite two previous rescue operations using nets and improvised booms, the shark remained trapped, leading authorities to mount a renewed effort.
The new plan relies on a series of fine nets angling the shark gently toward a channel that opens into the open ocean. Marine experts believe warm canal temperatures and an abundance of fish lured the shark far from its natural habitat.
Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon covered the scene, noting the tension among rescuers as the animal floated just beyond the reach of the boats. He highlights the delicate balance between human intervention and the shark’s right to roam free.
If successful, the operation could set a precedent for future wildlife rescue efforts in urban waterways, showcasing how technology and community support can come together to aid marine life.
