‘Panda Poobao, the baby panda, reunites with Korean audiences on the movie screen. Everland announced on the 26th that the documentary film ‘Hello, Farewell’ starring Poobao will be simultaneously released at CGV, Lotte Cinema, Megabox, and theaters nationwide on the 4th of next month.’
‘The film ‘Hello, Farewell’ chronicles the events from the immigration of Poobao’s mother and father, Aiba and Rubao, to Poobao’s birth and growth, up to the birth of his twin siblings Luibao and Huibao, capturing the events that occurred between the panda family and the caregivers at Everland. In particular, it focuses on the last three months before Poobao’s departure to China this year. Various unseen aspects of Poobao, as well as untold stories from the caregivers Kang Cheol-won and Song Young-gwan who dedicated themselves to the panda family, are revealed for the first time in interview format.’
‘The film also captures the process of separation between Poobao and the caregivers. Scenes such as Kang Cheol-won, shedding tears alone at the radiation facility where everyone left on the day Poobao was last presented to Korean tourists, the move to China on a rainy day, and the sorrowful moment when Song Young-gwan tidies up the room where Poobao used to live are depicted in the film.’
‘Everland stated, “‘Hello, Farewell’ features a production team composed of veterans from various fields to enhance the completeness and immersiveness of the film.” Directed by Shim Hyeong-jun, who has experience in filming movies, dramas, and music videos, and renowned director Thomas Ko, who has been recognized for his sophisticated sense through independent films, commercials, and music videos, were in charge of directing. National singer Lee Moon-sae and singer-songwriter Kim Puryum also participated in the OST.’
‘Stories that could not be captured on camera are depicted using animation techniques by infusing imagination. Stories of Poobao’s childhood and Kang Cheol-won, the caregiver, Kang’s first encounter with Aiba and Rubao, and the love story of Aiba and Rubao are unfolded through animation.’
‘Poobao, the first baby panda born through natural breeding in our country at Everland Panda World on July 20, 2020. Currently, he is living in the Wolong Shenshuping Base in Sichuan Province, China.’