Kang Cheol-won, right, and Song Young-kwan, zookeepers at Everland amusement park, pose during a press conference for "Hello, Grandpa," an upcoming documentary about Korea-born giant panda Fu Bao, at a theater in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

As "Hello, Grandpa," a documentary film about Fu Bao, the beloved Korean-born giant panda who recently returned to China, prepares to hit cinemas next week, the panda's zookeeper, Kang Cheol-won, expressed hope that the film will offer comfort to those experiencing difficulties or a sense of emptiness in their lives.

"I'm currently taking care of Rui Bao and Hui Bao pandas after sending Fu Bao off and I think the Bao family has had a significant impact not only on us but on many people," Kang said during a press conference for the movie in Seoul, Tuesday, highlighting the widespread popularity of the pandas in Korea.

Affectionately dubbed "Kang Bao" by fans, the zookeeper is well-known for the exceptional care he gave to Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in Korea in 2020 at Everland Resort in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. He cared for her as if she were his own child.

He has been looking after Fu Bao's parent pandas, Ai Bao and Le Bao, since 2016. Kang has affectionately referred to himself as Fu Bao's grandpa, which inspired the documentary's title.

"Hello, Grandpa" chronicles the three months leading up to Fu Bao's separation from Kang, including the panda's daily routine.

Fu Bao became a nationwide sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many Koreans visiting the amusement park and watching videos about the panda.

Fu Bao, a giant panda, and Everland resort's zookeeper Kang Cheol-won are seen in the upcoming documentary "Hello, Grandpa." Courtesy of Acomz

Kang shared his concerns about the potential emptiness people might feel following Fu Bao's departure.

"Many people found courage, hope and a new life after meeting Fu Bao during difficult times and I was concerned that emptiness or sadness might return as Fu Bao departed to China," he said.

"I hope the movie will offer comfort to those who need it, change perceptions for those unfamiliar with the Bao family, and become a lasting tribute that ensures the Bao family is remembered for years to come."

Fu Bao left Korea in April and is now at the Wolong Shenshuping Base, in line with an endangered species conservation agreement that requires loaned pandas and their offspring to be returned to their country of origin before they reach the age of four.

Adding to the film's emotional depth, Kang's mother passed away the day before Fu Bao left for China. Despite his grief, Kang chose to accompany Fu Bao as planned. The documentary captures the poignant moment when Kang makes this decision, ensuring the panda's safe arrival.

"I had been preparing to send Fu Bao off for a long time, and my mother had told me 'Have a safe trip' when I saw her three days before Fu Bao's departure. The day before Fu Bao left for China, I received the news of my mother's passing, and it felt as though the sky was falling," he said. "My brothers reassured me that my mother would understand my need to go to China despite not being able to attend the funeral."

Song Young-kwan, another zookeeper at the amusement park with the nickname of "Song Bao," added the film allowed him to reflect on the time he spent with the panda.

"It brought back precious memories with Fu Bao that I had somewhat forgotten in daily life," Song said. "I think the audience will feel the same emotions."

"Hello, Grandpa" will be released in theaters on Sept. 4.