Over 20,000 People Flock to See a Star Shark... Busan's North Port Enjoys 'Shark Boom'

[Anchor]

One of the hottest places capturing the most attention lately is definitely Busan's North Port, where a shark has been frequently spotted. Over the past weekend, a crowd of more than 20,000 people gathered to catch a glimpse of the shark, turning it into a major celebrity.

KNN reporter Cho Jin-wook explains.

[Reporter]

The North Port shark proudly displays its sleek fin before calmly swimming away.

It circles the same spot, almost as if putting on a fan service.

[Cho Sung-geun / Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province: The shark is much bigger than I expected, and it keeps moving back and forth right near the people, almost like it's putting on a show....]

News that a live shark can be seen at a public park rather than an aquarium has brought an unexpected boom to Busan related to the shark.

Attracting over 20,000 visitors over the weekend, it is enjoying nationwide popularity.

The North Port shark has also become a viral star on social media.

It has become a trend for people to create their own characters and give it names.

A variety of stories are pouring out, including a Busan Dome Arena modeled after the shark and even shark-shaped bread.

[Song Seunghun / Creator of 'Bukang-i' (North Port Shark) Character: I made a video of 'Bukang-i' dancing. I think it would be great if Busan becomes a hot topic again and generates tourism demand.]

The local government having jurisdiction is all smiles over the appearance of this filial shark.

Taking advantage of the momentum, they intend to make it a representative district office character, much like Boogie.

In particular, since the waters off Busan are known as the home of Baby Shark—which is familiar to children—the continuity of the story is also great.

[Kang Cheol-ho / Head of Busan Dong-gu Office: The small connection with a single shark has made Busan's Dong-gu North Port known nationwide. Through a contest for the shark's name and character, we hope to leave good memories and a wonderful experience with the citizens....]

Meanwhile, rumors of baby shark sightings are circulating, but the National Institute of Fisheries Science stated that the possibility of giving birth is slim.

(Video by: Jeon Jae-hyun KNN, Footage provided by: Viewer Jung Wook-seok)

Cho Jin-wook, KNN
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.