Identity of 'Bukang-i' Revealed Through Close-Up Footage

[Anchor]

The identity of "Bukang-i," which has drawn national attention by attracting over 1 million visitors, has been revealed. Initially known as an obsolete shark, Bukang-i has been confirmed to be a female blacktip shark, an endangered species.

Reporter Choi Han-sol from KNN.

[Reporter]

"Bukang-i" made its way back into the Bukhang Waterfront Park waterway, crossing the net just 100 meters away from the open sea.

While it was widely known that it was likely an obsolete shark, close-up footage confirmed it to be a blacktip shark.

A pointed ridge, a characteristic of blacktip sharks, was identified between the two dorsal fins on its back.

It is classified as an endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and has been reported as an unrecorded species in South Korea.

[Kim Hyun-woo / Researcher, National Institute of Fisheries Science: Males have reproductive organs near their pelvic fins. We discussed this with shark experts. It has been confirmed to be a female.]

Characterized by its distribution in temperate coastal waters, analysis suggests that it will leave for southern waters in the winter as the water temperature drops.

Bukang-i has now become an even more precious creature.

The crowds visiting Bukang-i at Bukang Waterfront Park have already surpassed 1 million.

Bukhang is a symbol of port history where military supplies and South Korea's first export cargo ships passed through in the 1950s, and it is currently undergoing redevelopment.

Riding on the popularity of Bukang-i, Busan City and port authorities have announced ambitions to make the Bukang area a new center for marine tourism.

They are planning various blueprints, such as the construction of a new building for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and are introducing a master architect committee.

The waterside area is planned to be decorated with enhanced experiential activities.

Thanks to "lucky charm" Bukang-i, Bukang and its surrounding original downtown area are set to re-establish themselves as representative hot spots of Busan.

(Video Shooting: Oh Won-seok / KNN, Video Editing: Oh Hyun-hee / KNN)

Choi Han-sol, KNN
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.