Zookeeper Kang Cheol-won Accompanies Fubao's Repatriation Despite Mother's Passing

Kang Cheol-won, a zookeeper renowned for his work with the giant panda Fubao, revealed why he accompanied Fubao's repatriation process despite being in mourning for his mother.

On the 27th, a press conference and media screening for the film 'Goodbye, Grandpa' was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University Entrance in Jayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Director Shim Hyung-jun, along with zookeepers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-kwan, attended the event.

'Goodbye, Grandpa' is a documentary film that tells the story of Fubao, the first giant panda born through natural breeding in Korea in July 2020, along with the panda family and their zookeepers.

Despite the passing of his mother, Kang accompanied Fubao during the repatriation process, a behind-the-scenes story also featured in the film. Kang shared, “I saw my mother three days before she passed away. I asked her to watch me on TV that day, and she said she would. When I heard the news of her passing, it felt like the sky was falling. My family was very understanding. We are six siblings, and they said, 'Mother would understand. We know how important this is.' My eldest brother said, 'Even if a national athlete hears bad news, they don't stop the game. You have to complete your duty. Don't worry about the aftermath and go.'”

'Goodbye, Grandpa' is set to be released on September 4th.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr