It is thought that Bukangi may have been drawn to the canal by unusually warm waters and an abundance of fish. Experts suggest that as the sea continues to warm, Busan could host more sharks in the future.
During the month she spent in the canal, Bukangi attracted more than 1.6 million visitors.
The shark’s popularity provided a boost to Busan’s tourism, and the city embraced her as an unofficial mascot.
But authorities were also concerned about her well-being, noting that she appeared injured and was not eating.
Social media users circulated videos of Bukangi swimming in the canal with what appeared to be a bloodied snout.
There were concerns that the shark would be further weakened by falling water temperatures.
Before this week’s operation, authorities had made two earlier attempts to guide Bukangi out of the canal using nets.
Residents and visitors interviewed by the BBC were divided over whether the shark should stay or leave.
Some felt it was safer for the shark to remain in the canal. The BBC observed two people holding up cardboard signs protesting against Bukangi’s removal.
One was Cho Hannah, who had traveled for two hours from her home in North Geongsang province to see the shark.
Bukangi, she insisted, was “a rare gift” to Busan.
“This shark has made this canal her home, and we are kicking her out unnecessarily. I am afraid the shark might die tangled with the net, or die out at sea,” she said.
But others like Yoon In-taek said it was only right that Bukangi leave.
“Bukangi seemed much larger when I first saw her on 18 September, when she first got here. Now she seems gaunt. I’m worried for her health if she stays,” he said.
“It doesn’t sit right with me that she keeps returning here. It will be best if Bukangi leaves, doesn’t come back, and lives and feeds freely in the open sea. I’d love to see her find a healthy, free life out there,” said Shin Seungmin.
Bukangi has “brought so much joy to us”, he said, adding that he was sad to see her leave.
“But she should go and live her normal shark life,” he said.
Additional reporting by Leehyun Choi.
