A creative children's book titled "Neukgu's 9 Days," inspired by the wolf escape incident at Daejeon O-World, has been published.

Bang Min-ho, a poet, novelist, and professor of Korean Language and Literature at Seoul National University, explores themes of freedom and fear, love and parting, and the relationship between humans and animals with a warm perspective in his first children's book, "Neukgu's 9 Days."

In the story, "Neukgu" spends nine days meeting an owl, a stray cat, water deer siblings, and a crow, enjoying freedom and adventure while missing Neuksun, whom he left behind at the zoo.

On a rainy night, Neukgu encounters a boy named Min-ho (the same name as the author) who lives in an apartment. Through this encounter, Neukgu realizes that humans do not intend to harm him, leading him to decide to reveal himself to the people.

The author focuses on the complex emotions displayed by citizens during the actual incident. People were wary of Neukgu yet hoped he would not get hurt; they felt relieved to hear he had returned safely, while simultaneously feeling a sense of regret that he had been captured. The book captures the fear felt by both Neukgu and humans, as well as the yearning for freedom and human compassion.

Born and raised in Daejeon, author Bang Min-ho infuses the story with the landscapes and emotions he experienced while playing around Mt. Bomun during his childhood. The cobalt blue night sky, the full moon, the ridges of Mt. Bomun, and the city lights of Daejeon that appear in the book serve as more than just a background; they symbolically reflect Neukgu's growth and internal changes.

Author Bang Min-ho stated, "We found Neukgu, but we do not know what he saw or felt in the world. 'Neukgu's 9 Days' is a story that fills that void with imagination." The watercolor-style illustrations and lyrical prose leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages, including adults.

Note: Interestingly, the name "Neukgu"—which sounds familiar like "Baekgu" (white dog) or "Hwanggu" (yellow dog)—was reportedly a mundane name meaning the ninth wolf, like Wolf 1, Wolf 2, Wolf 3, etc. However, as Neukgu escaped into the world and became the subject of a children's book, he has become a unique and special being.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee