Interest continues in "Neukgu," the wolf that escaped from Daejeon O-World and returned.
According to online communities on the 20th, HareHare, a bakery in Daejeon, has been selling "Neukgu bread," a choco cream bun baked in the shape of Neukgu's face, since on the 18th. All 50 Neukgu breads produced on the 19th reportedly sold out in the morning.
LG Electronics Best Shop Daejeon Main Store has been displaying the phrase "Neukgu, thank you for coming back" on a large electronic billboard since on the 17th. After Neukgu escaped O-World on the 8th, it had displayed the message "Neukgu, come back," wishing for a safe return, and appears to have changed the wording after Neukgu was captured alive.
The Hanwha Eagles, who had been on a losing streak while Neukgu was on the loose, notched back-to-back wins in away games against the Lotte Giants on the 18th and 19th. In the K League 1, Daejeon Hana Citizen also snapped its losing streak by beating FC Seoul in an away match on the 18th.
Neukgu autographs are even appearing on used transaction platforms, and on social media, AI-generated images show Neukgu appearing on various Korean TV programs.
On social media, some said "Neukgu is a victory fairy," with reactions even calling to change the team name to Hanwha Wolves or switch the mascot to a wolf.
Neukgu is recovering health. On the 18th, Neukgu finished 650g of beef and raw chicken, and on the 19th consumed a total of 980g. O-World said, "Neukgu's health condition is relatively good," adding, "Neukgu is eating and sleeping well under the care of a keeper and a veterinarian."