Overview
- The wolf, Neukgu, escaped April 8 by digging under a fence and was recaptured April 17 near a highway interchange after nine days on the run.
- The Environment Ministry said it will move most zoos to a stricter permit system by December 2027, and it issued a corrective order that keeps O-World closed until fixes are verified.
- Permits will require more animal keepers and escape‑prevention equipment, and new guidance will curb paid feeding and petting programs that can stress animals.
- The saga fueled a citywide craze, from sold‑out “Neukgu bread” to LG thank‑you billboards and a brief cryptocurrency named for the wolf.
- Veterinarians report Neukgu is eating in isolation after losing about 3 kilograms, with a 2.6 cm fish hook removed by endoscopy and preventive medicine now part of his care.