A shark went astray and captured Korea's heart - will she finally make it back to sea?

Staying in the canal would seriously jeopardise Bukangi because of falling autumn temperatures, Kim explains. Usually this prompts sharks to migrate to warmer waters further south.

"This canal is far from something we can call a habitat," he adds. "A wild animal cannot stay in a space made strictly for humans."

Eventually, as public scrutiny grew, the oceans ministry took over the rescue operation from the fisheries institute. Around 40 personnel, including divers from Busan's aquarium, were mobilised. A vet was on standby, along with an ambulance in case the divers were attacked by Bukangi.

On Wednesday divers installed two layers of nets, and Bukangi was successfully herded out of the narrow canal into open water. But overnight, she swam back into the canal, diving under the outer net.