After being captured at the end of a 10-day escape and returning to Daejeon O-World, the wolf "Neukgu" is recovering while eating a special beef meal. Neukgu returned safely, but public interest does not seem to be fading.
On the 19th, online communities and elsewhere are spreading "memes" (internet viral content) like a trend along with news about Neukgu.
Since right after the capture, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, who shared detailed updates on Neukgu's condition through social media, also posted on Threads, saying, "With Neukgu back, both soccer and baseball won." That is because the Hanwha Eagles, based in Daejeon and recently struggling, beat the Lotte Giants in an away game in Busan the day before. At the same time, in professional soccer, Daejeon, which had been on a three-game losing streak, beat Seoul 1-0 in an away match of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 8 at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Earlier, a post saying, "Neukgu is back, so now all we need is for the Hanwha bullpen's command to come back," drew attention online, and it effectively became reality.
On social media, reactions are continuing such as "They should change the name to Hanwha Wolves," "Neukgu is Daejeon's victory fairy," and "Mayor, please make a Neukgu mascot following Kkumdori."
The LG Electronics Best Shop Daejeon main store changed the large electronic display message from "Neukgu, come back" to "Neukgu, thanks for coming back" on the 17th and has been airing it daily.
Neukgu escaped on the 8th by digging under the O-World safari wire fence and was captured on the 17th, nine days later. Search authorities spotted Neukgu near the Daejeon Anyoung IC and launched a capture operation; 30 minutes after the operation began, at 12:44 a.m., they fired a tranquilizer dart into Neukgu's thigh and successfully captured the wolf.
Afterward, Neukgu was urgently transported to the animal hospital in O-World and came out of anesthesia around 4 a.m. while being observed by veterinarians dispatched from zoos nationwide and the National Institute of Ecology (NIE).
At the time, tests found no major health issues for Neukgu. However, a 2.6-centimeter fishhook was discovered deep in the stomach, and the wolf was moved to a nearby secondary hospital for a removal procedure.
Neukgu is said to be resting in an isolation area inside O-World while eating special meals. The wolf lost about 4 kilograms, but reportedly ate all 650 grams of ground beef and raw chicken the day before.
The zoo plans to prepare high-nutrition foods such as beef offal for the time being and, considering the possibility of contact with various animals during the escape, will also monitor for ticks and viral infections.
Because Neukgu had lived in a pack with parents and siblings, the plan is to have the wolf rejoin them once strength is restored and stability is regained.
After Neukgu's capture, O-World said, "First, we deeply bow our heads in apology to everyone who must have been very surprised and worried by the news of the wolf's escape over the past few days," adding, "Fortunately, thanks to so many people caring together and helping, we were able to find Neukgu safely and bring the wolf back into our arms."
O-World plans to remain closed through the day to allow for Neukgu's recovery and safety checks. O-World had temporarily suspended operations for safety after Neukgu's escape. O-World said, "We are currently caring for Neukgu so the wolf can rest, while inspecting our safety management system and refurbishing facilities," adding, "We will quickly announce the reopening schedule on our website as soon as maintenance is complete."