Fu Bao, the giant panda celebrity of South Korea, was recently reunited with her grandfather, Kang Cheol Won, much to the delight of netizens.
Fu Bao and Kang Cheol Won | MK News
Fu Bao, who is the first giant panda born in Korea’s Everland, was looked after by the 55-year-old Kang. The veteran zookeeper has been long in charge of taking care of Fu Bao and her family, as he was the one who looked after her parents, Le Bao and Ai Bao, when they were moved to Korea from China in 2016. He is also currently the caretaker of Fu Bao’s younger twin sisters, Rui Bao and Hui Bao.
Fu Bao and Kang Cheol Won in Everland | MK News
| theqoo | theqoo
Recently, Korean citizens were left devastated when Fu Bao had to be relocated to China for endangered wildlife preservation reasons. The public bid her a teary farewell, but when the giant panda arrived in China, anxieties over how the country treated her spilled over into online forums. Many even went to the extent of demanding Fu Bao be returned to Korea claiming she was not being treated properly.
Amidst this tense situation, Kang’s one-to-one visit to Fu Bao has soothed many apprehensive hearts in Korea. In a recent episode of the popular variety show You Quiz On The Block, Grandpa Kang Bao appeared and shared about his last meeting with Fu Bao, whom he had accompanied to China. The process, however, was not very simple since she is currently under a one-month quarantine.
Originally, outsiders aren’t allowed during the quarantine. In China, too, you can’t enter the quarantine room where Fu Bao is…I told them honestly, ‘Actually, I’m in a half-conscious state, but I’m here.’…I knew it was difficult, but I wanted to do a final check.
— Kang Cheol Won
Kang flew with Fu Bao to China despite his mother reportedly passing away the day before. He said that the Chinese officials negotiated with the quarantine authorities and were able to obtain permission for him to enter the quarantine room in full protective gear.
It was those white outfits, you know? Unlike us, they wear white there. I also wore those clothes and went in, so Fu Bao couldn’t recognize me.
But when Grandpa Bao called out her name, Fu Bao recognized his voice and started to look around. When she realized it was Kang, she came right next to him, rubbing her body against his. Her grandpa showered her with praise and reassured her of her new caretakers.
I knew you would be good…These guys are better caretakers than your grandpa. So, they will help you a lot.
Kang bid his panda granddaughter a bittersweet goodbye with a promise to visit her again soon.
Netizens were left in tears with Kang’s account.
| theqoo “This time, China was really considerate. Thank you, TT.” “[Crying emoticon]” “[Crying emoticon]” “[Crying emoticon]” “[Crying emoticon]” “I’m crying again, TT.” “[Crying emoticon]” “Grandpa TTTT”
This is, however, not the first time grandpa Kang and Fu Bao’s interaction has left Koreans in such an emotional state. You can read more about it here.
The most-hated separation in Korea.
