"Eat Well and Play Well"... 'Puboji' Kang Cheol-won, Final Letter to Pubao

"Halbuji Leaves You Behind"
Trainer Kang Cheol-won's Handwritten Letter Also Sparks Attention in China

Giant panda 'Pubao', who was affectionately called 'Yongin Pussi' and 'Pugongju' and loved by many in Korea, has left for China, and the last letter from zookeeper Kang Cheol-won has been revealed.

A special vehicle carrying Fubao was moving on the 3rd at the Rose Garden in Everland, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, receiving farewells from fans. Photo by Joint Press Corps

On the 5th, Chinese media and Weibo posted a handwritten letter from zookeeper Kang starting with "Dear Pubao." In the letter, Kang said, "Grandpa is leaving you. I will definitely come to see you. Adapt well, eat well, and play well." The letter was dated July 3, the day Pubao arrived in China.

Chinese netizens are sharing this letter along with its Chinese translation on social networking services (SNS). Comments include "Pubao exists because of Grandpa's love," "Thank you, Grandpa Kang. Our Ttunbbang-i (Pubao's nickname, 福猪猪) will grow up healthy and happy," and "Their heartfelt love."

Animal keepers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-kwan are reading a thank-you letter to Fu Bao fans at Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on the 3rd. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Zookeeper Kang's love for Pubao is special. Since Pubao's birth on July 20, 2020, Kang has been the closest caretaker, earning nicknames like "Panda Grandpa" and "Kangbao." It is also known that Kang self-studied Chinese to communicate smoothly with Chinese caretakers.

Meanwhile, despite the passing of his mother on the 2nd, Kang made headlines by accompanying Pubao to China on the 3rd. Xing Haiming, the Chinese Ambassador to Korea, also attended Everland's farewell event, expressing deep gratitude to Kang and condolences for his loss, according to the Chinese Embassy in Korea.

A letter from zookeeper Kang Cheol-won to Fubao. [Image source=Chinese SNS]

Meanwhile, Pubao was born on July 20, 2020, to Lubao and Aibao, pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of Korea-China friendship. Having lived at Everland, Pubao was affectionately called "Yongin Pussi," "Pugongju," and "Putuntun," receiving much love.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.