China News Service, Seoul, February 21 (Liu Xu, Jiang Chunyu, Jinlin) According to official news from South Korea's Everland, the event for the giant panda "Fubao" traveling in South Korea to meet the public will end on March 3. From then until early April, "Fubao" will make relevant preparations for returning to China. The specific schedule and flight details are yet to be determined.
On July 20, 2023, the giant panda "Fubao" living in South Korea celebrated his third birthday. Samsung Everland held a birthday party for "Fubao". Photo by China News Service reporter Liu Xu
Regarding the upcoming return of "Fubao" to China, the official channel of South Korea's Everland released a related video. As of 14:00 local time on the 21st, the video had received 44,000 likes and nearly 8,000 comments. Many Korean netizens expressed their reluctance. Some comments said that no matter where "Fubao" is, he will always be the treasure of the Korean people; some netizens said that even if "Fubao" leaves, they will still continue to care about it.
At the same time, many Korean brands have launched "Bao Family" co-branded products, which have become very popular.
According to South Korea's Chosun Ilbo, Samsung Electronics began selling limited edition wireless earphones online on the 21st. It was designed with the theme of "Fubao"'s twin sisters "Ruibao" and "Huibao", showing the two in detail. The giant panda has distinctive features such as its stripes, glabella, and muzzle.
According to South Korea's E-Daily report, South Korean financial technology company T-Money also unveiled a "Fubao T-Money Card (Korea Transportation Card)" (hereinafter referred to as "Fubao Card") jointly launched with Everland on the same day.
"The Korean National Daily" reported on the 21st that as more and more people feel reluctant to part with "Fubao" returning to China, "Fubao Card" has become a "very precious item." The "Fubao Card" was exclusively sold by South Korea's GS25 convenience store and was sold out in the store, which undoubtedly reflects the popularity of "Fubao".
The reporter logged into the GS25 online store that afternoon and saw that there are two types of "Fubao Cards". The main transportation card has photos of "Fubao" eating bamboo and lying on a wooden pile. In addition, there are also pictures of "Fu Bao". Image stickers composed of bamboo, carrot, crown and other patterns that "Bao" likes. Currently, both "Fubao Cards" are sold out online, with many consumers leaving messages online saying "'Fubao Card' is very cute" and "I really want to buy a few more as souvenirs."
The reporter asked many GS25 convenience stores in downtown Seoul that day and learned that most of the "Fubao Card" was out of stock. A clerk at a convenience store in Mapo District, Seoul told reporters that many customers came to the store to inquire about the "Fubao Card".
The picture shows two types of "Fubao T-Money Cards". Photo by Jin Lin
In an interview with the media, Kim Jung-yeol, general manager (executive director) of T-money payment business, said that he cooperated with Everland in order to pray for the health and peace of "Blessed Treasure" and leave good memories for customers. It is expected that the "Fubao" T-money card will become a representative peripheral product that recalls "Fubao".
It is reported that Korea Kookmin Bank, clothing brand "8 Seconds", etc. have also previously launched co-branded products related to the "Bao Family". (over)