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| ▲ Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won speaks during the media premier event of documentary film "My Dearest Fu Bao" at a theater in Seoul on Aug. 27, 2024. (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- "There were many who said that meeting Fubao during difficult times gave them courage, hope, and a new perspective on life. I worry that after Fubao's departure, some might feel emptiness or sadness again. I hope this film brings comfort to those people."
On the 27th, Kang Chul-won, a zookeeper famously known as "Kangbao (Gangbao)," expressed these sentiments during a press conference after the screening of the documentary My Dearest Fu Bao at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Seoul. Kang, who earned the nickname "Gangbao," is well-known for having cared for Fubao, a giant panda born at Everland in Yongin in 2020, as if it were his own child.
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| ▲ Giant panda Fu Bao enjoys eating bamboo at Everland |
Kang has been taking care of Fubao’s parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, since 2016 and has affectionately referred to himself as Fubao's "grandpa." The film's title is derived from this nickname.
Directed by Shim Hyung-jun and set for release on September 4th, My Dearest Fu Bao focuses on the last three months before Fubao was repatriated to China. The documentary captures not only Fubao's daily life but also the zookeepers' preparations for their farewell, the moment of parting, and their eventual reunion. The film includes heartfelt interviews with the zookeepers and chronicles Fubao’s journey from birth to growth.
Song Young-kwan, another zookeeper featured in the film, shared his thoughts after watching it: "The film brought back precious memories with Fubao that I had somewhat forgotten in the hustle of daily life. I believe the audience will feel the same."
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| ▲ This still photo of zookeeper Kang Cheol-won and panda Fu Bao in documentary film "My Dearest Fu Bao" is provided by Barunson Enter & Arts. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Fubao, the first panda born in South Korea through natural breeding, quickly amassed a large and devoted fan base, earning the title of "National Panda." True to the meaning of her name, "Treasure that brings happiness," Fubao brought joy to many.
However, the joy of her presence also deepened the sorrow of her departure. According to the "Giant Panda Conservation Research Agreement," pandas born abroad must be relocated to China before the age of 48 months to find a mate. As a result, Fubao was sent to China last April, leaving her fans in tears.
The ones who felt the pain of separation most acutely were the zookeepers, Kang Chul-won and Song Young-kwan, who had been with Fubao since her birth. The film shows the two preparing stoically for the farewell, but as the return date approaches, their emotions become increasingly difficult to control. In one scene, Song is seen breaking down while cleaning Fubao's now-empty room, and Kang wipes away tears as he shows Fubao to visitors for the last time.
A particularly poignant moment in the film occurs when Kang, who had just lost his mother the day before Fubao's departure, drives through tears to accompany Fubao on her journey to China. "Three days before she passed, my mother told me to have a good trip to China," Kang revealed. "But when I heard the news of her passing the day before Fubao left, it felt like the sky was falling."
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| ▲ This still photo of zookeeper Kang Cheol-won and panda Fu Bao in documentary film "My Dearest Fu Bao" is provided by Barunson Enter & Arts. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Kang recalled how his siblings assured him that their mother would have understood his need to accompany Fubao to China. "My eldest brother told me, 'You are representing our country, so make sure you send Fubao off well.'"
Three months after Fubao’s departure, Kang was reunited with his "granddaughter" at the Wolong Shenshuping Panda Base in China this past July. The documentary captures a touching moment when Fubao cautiously approaches the fence as if recognizing Kang.
"I wanted to spend more time with Fubao in China, but I think the time we had was just right," Kang said. "If the opportunity arises, I will visit Fubao again, and I hope she will recognize me then, too."
Song, who has yet to reunite with Fubao, expressed mixed feelings: "I'm relieved to hear that Fubao is doing well in China. However, I do hope to see her again when I’m in a more comfortable state of mind. I hope it doesn’t take too long, hopefully within this year."
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