New Documentary ‘My Dearest Fu Bao’ to Release in Theaters
A new South Korean documentary, My Dearest Fu Bao, offering an inside look at the life of Fu Bao, the first giant panda cub born in South Korea through natural mating, will soon hit theaters. Directed by Shim Hyung-joon, the film captures the touching bond between the panda and her dedicated zookeepers at Everland Zoo, where she was born and raised.
Fu Bao, born to Ai Bao and Le Bao on July 20, 2020, quickly became a beloved figure in South Korea. Her parents, Ai Bao and Le Bao, were sent to South Korea in 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping as part of a 15-year loan under China’s endangered species conservation program. According to this agreement, pandas born abroad must return to China before their fourth birthday. Fu Bao resided at Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, for 1,354 days before being relocated to China on Apr. 3.
The documentary, which opens in theaters on Sept. 4, explores the final three months of Fu Bao’s life in South Korea, highlighting her interactions with her zookeepers, parents, and twin sisters, Rui Bao and Hui Bao. The film features scenes with zookeeper Kang Cheol-won, affectionately known as Fu Bao’s “grandpa” by fans. Kang, who played a pivotal role in raising Fu Bao, expressed his motivation for participating in the documentary during a press conference in Seoul. “Just as I poured everything into raising Fu Bao, many people gained energy and felt hope through Fu Bao when they were going through hard times. I think (participating in this movie) was my way of returning that massive love of Fu Bao’s fans,” Kang said.
Director Shim emphasized that the film goes beyond what the public has seen through TV shows and news, providing a deeper narrative of the relationships between Fu Bao and those who cared for her. The documentary also includes animated recreations of key moments that could not be captured on film, adding a unique layer to the storytelling. In addition, My Dearest Fu Bao depicts a heartfelt reunion between Fu Bao and Kang Cheol-won three months after her relocation to China, highlighting the emotional bond between the animal and her caretakers.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1724917593/1613367592
1. What is the primary focus of the documentary My Dearest Fu Bao?
2. When and where was Fu Bao born, and what notable event happened on April 3 related to her?
3. What was the agreement between China and South Korea regarding the pandas sent to South Korea?
4. Who is Kang Cheol-won, and what role did he play in Fu Bao’s life?
1. Have you ever felt a deep emotional connection with an animal or pet? Describe your experience and how it impacted you.
2. What do you think about the practice of relocating animals, like Fu Bao, as part of conservation agreements?
3. If you had the chance to be involved in a documentary about a personal experience or passion, what would it be and why?
4. Reflecting on the relationship between Fu Bao and her zookeeper, have you ever had a mentor or figure in your life who had a significant impact on you?
A new South Korean documentary, My Dearest Fu Bao, offering an inside look at the life of Fu Bao, the first giant panda cub born in South Korea through natural mating, will soon hit theaters. Directed by Shim Hyung-joon, the film captures the touching bond between the panda and her dedicated zookeepers at Everland Zoo, where she was born and raised.
