Bukangi, the shark that captured public attention when it was first spotted in a canal in Busan weeks ago, has been shepherded from the narrow waterway but has not resumed swimming out to sea.
The animal attracted widespread interest after its appearance in an urban canal, prompting authorities to act to reduce the risk to both the animal and local boat traffic. Teams moved the shark out of the confined channel to a more open stretch of water, but it has remained close to shore rather than heading back into deeper sea.
The reasons for the shark's reluctance to leave the coastal area were not immediately clear. Officials and marine teams have been monitoring its movements while considering next steps to ensure the animal's safety and to limit disruption to local maritime activity.
The episode has drawn attention to the ways marine wildlife can intersect with urban environments and the logistical and welfare challenges that follow. Authorities said they would continue to assess the situation and work with specialists on an appropriate course of action.