Seoul (AFP) - A disoriented shark has become an unexpected celebrity in South Korea, drawing huge crowds, earning praise from a mayor and even influencing the stock market.
First modification: 09/30/2026 - 15:58
The shark, apparently a bull shark, appeared this month in an artificial canal in Busan, on the southeastern coast of South Korea.
The coast guard tried to guide the animal back to the sea by spraying it with water from boats, but the shark - nicknamed "Bukhangi" by its admirers in reference to the port - did not move.
And while authorities wonder what to do, the 3.5-meter fish and the crowds it has attracted have boosted the local economy.
Sales of shark-shaped ice cream have risen almost 30% in nearby stores.
Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo thanked the shark for publicity that would have otherwise cost "billions."
In recognition, Bukhangi was elected honorary public relations ambassador of the city with 91% of the votes.
On the stock market, shares of The Pinkfong Company, the studio behind the well-known song "Baby Shark", briefly soared more than 7%.
Bull sharks are usually found in subtropical and tropical waters, but "it is not at all common" for them to venture into South Korean waters, said Kim Jin-koo, a professor at Pukyong National University.
According to this global fisheries specialist, the shark could have approached the coast due to rising water temperatures.
© 2026 AFP
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