Deokgu Returns: Mealtime Video Surpasses 1.3 Million Views... "Why Is the Food On the Ground?" Controversy Erupts

Returned to O-World After Nine Days, Capturing National Attention

Some Online Users Express Concerns Over Feeding Practices

Deokgu, the wolf who escaped from Daejeon O-World and returned after nine days, has become a star. A video capturing Deokgu's mealtime quickly surpassed 1 million views.

On April 21, O-World released footage of Deokgu eating through its official social networking service (SNS) and other channels. The video received significant attention from online users, surpassing 1.3 million views within just a few hours on the same day.

Deokgu eating food placed on the floor. Photo by Yonhap News

The video shows Deokgu eating raw meat placed on the ground. The footage captures Deokgu biting, chewing, and swallowing the food, occasionally glancing around as if on alert.

The video rapidly spread across online communities and social media. Some have commented that "Deokgu seems to have become Daejeon's new mascot." There is also the interpretation that Deokgu's notoriety has actually increased thanks to the escape incident at O-World.

In fact, efforts are already underway to turn Deokgu into a character for merchandise. On April 20, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo directed during a weekly work meeting that Deokgu should be made into a representative character for the city. Daejeon had previously developed the "Kkumdori Family," including the mascot "Kkumdori" for the 1993 Daejeon Expo.

Daejeon O-World Social Networking Service (SNS)

Meanwhile, according to O-World, after Deokgu returned, he gradually increased his food intake, and his weight has nearly doubled compared to the time he was recaptured, indicating a rapid recovery of his health. O-World is providing Deokgu with meals of raw chicken and beef, and the amount is being gradually increased; on April 20, he was served 1,160 grams of meat. O-World stated, "Deokgu is in healthy condition and is eating all the food provided."

As attention toward Deokgu grows, some online users have raised concerns about his treatment. After seeing Deokgu eating meat placed on the ground, there were complaints such as "Why not put the meat in a feeding bowl instead of on the floor?"

In response, O-World explained, "Deokgu is still recovering and is in a sensitive state. He does not eat if the food is served in a bowl. Typically, raw chicken and other food are thrown inside the enclosure, as this is a measure to help the wolf maintain its wild instincts."

O-World is also monitoring whether Deokgu has contracted ticks, infectious diseases, or other conditions through contact with various animals during his time away. Once the maximum incubation period for viruses—10 days—has passed, Deokgu will be able to rejoin his family in the wolf safari. O-World currently keeps a total of 15 wolves, including Deokgu.

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