South Korea's celebrity shark back in canal, prompting new rescue bid
A dusky shark that became a viral sensation in Busan, South Korea, has returned to a canal after a failed rescue attempt. Authorities are launching a new effort to guide the animal back to the sea after previous attempts using nets and water jets proved unsuccessful.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of urban wildlife management and the environmental impact of climate change on marine species.
The shark - nicknamed Bukhangi by fans - has drawn more than 1.6 million visitors to a canal in South Korea’s Busan since it was first spotted there last month.
South Korean officials guide "Bukhangi" back to the sea after it became trapped in an artificial waterway in the southeastern port city of Busan on Oct 21, 2026. (Photo: AFP/Jung Yeon-je)
SEOUL: A shark that became a viral sensation after getting stuck in a South Korean canal returned hours after being coaxed out, authorities said on Thursday (Oct 22), prompting another attempt to guide it back to the sea.
The shark - nicknamed Bukhangi by fans - was first spotted in the artificial waterway in the southeastern port city of Busan last month, with environmental activists linking its appearance to climate change.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Celebrity Shark Returns to South Korea Canal After Rescue
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