Fu Bao, South Korea's first native-born giant panda, is set to return to the country next month -- on the big screen.At a press event Thursday promoting the upcoming documentary "My Dearest Fu Bao," director Shim Hyung-jun described it as a "fairytale-like touching story" chronicling the three months leading up to Fu Bao's departure, as seen through her caregivers' eyes."It feels incredibly touching and almost unbelievable to complete the documentary," said Kang Cheol-won, Fu Bao's primary zookeeper, known as the "panda grandfather.""I was initially concerned about how we could make the movie both moving and fresh, given that people were already familiar with Fu Bao," he said.Addressing these concerns, the director focused on capturing the zookeepers' innermost feelings and the deep bond between them and the Fu Bao family.Born on July 20, 2020, Fu Bao is the offspring of Ai Bao and Le Bao, giant pandas sent by Chinese President Xi Jinping in March 2016 as a symbol of South Korea-China friendship. U nder the endangered species conservation agreement, pandas sent by China must return before turning 4.In April, thousands of fans bid farewell to Fu Bao outside Everland, South Korea's largest amusement park, located 42 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where she was born and raised.Facing the challenge of communicating with the pandas, the production team incorporated animation to depict scenes like Fu Bao's early childhood, the first meeting between Ai Bao, Le Bao and Kang and the pandas' love story."(Fu Bao) kept sleeping, eating and sitting idle. It was very challenging not to be able to communicate with her," the director said, jokingly adding, "It was a shame not being able to have drinks with the main actors."The director expects this unprecedented integration of animation in a documentary to enhance the film's emotional depth and offer unique fun. The film also captures Kang's reunion with Fu Bao in China."The reunion scene was incredibly impressive," he said. "As I filmed the scene from behind , where Kang approached Fu Bao, my heart felt like it was about to burst. It was a personally thrilling moment.""My Dearest Fu Bao" is set for release on Sept. 4.Source : Yonhap News Agency