Busan seeks trademark for popular shark ‘Bukangi’

Busan Metropolitan City is taking steps to secure trademark rights for ‘Bukangi’, a shark that has gained widespread popularity after appearing in the artificial waterway of the Busan North Port Waterfront Park. The city plans to file for a trademark in October to prevent private individuals from monopolizing the name and to develop it as a public brand asset.

This move follows reports that an individual has already applied for several trademarks combining the name ‘BUKANGI’ with shark imagery for products such as apparel and plush toys. Busan officials stated that while a trademark application does not immediately grant rights, they intend to protect the character to ensure the local community can freely use it for public content and regional products.

In a separate effort, authorities are conducting a second rescue operation to return the shark to the open sea. Following a failed first attempt, a joint rescue team plans to use a 50-meter large-scale net and water pumps to guide the shark through the park's waterways and out to sea. The shark has become a local phenomenon, drawing approximately 600,000 visitors to the park and earning it an honorary ambassadorship from the city.