by REERA YOO
After its highly anticipated installation, Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s famous giant rubber duck was found deflated in Seokchon Lake, next to Lotte Group’s mega shopping complex.
According to the Korea Real Time, the duck inflated initially but started leaking air around mid-afternoon Tuesday. A Lotte official told the media that there was nothing wrong with the duck itself as the problem was with the air pump.
“It is being repaired now. It won’t take long before it becomes fully inflated again” the official said.
Despite Kim Jong-un’s reappearance after being missing for over a month, the famous yellow duck’s demise was the biggest news on South Korea’s social media Tuesday, reported the Korea Real Time. Here are some of the Seoul onlookers’ humorous reactions on Twitter.
러버덕 첫날부터 덕무룩 pic.twitter.com/GOaab1iIKB
— Silk (@Silklaver) October 14, 2014
“On its first day, the rubber duck feels grumpy.”
러버덕을 구경하고 있는 진짜 오리들. pic.twitter.com/FIoEEaL8MU
— H (@days4tripper) October 14, 2014
“Real ducks are watching the rubber duck”
러버덕 사망과정…… 죽지마요오ㅠㅠ pic.twitter.com/62TjWXenQQ — 젤리닝 (@jellyningjr) October 14, 2014
“The death of the rubber duck is taking place… Don’t die”
러버덕 보고 힘 얻으러 왔는데 러버덕한테 힘을 줘야할 상황… pic.twitter.com/THaipoDHdL
— NANSEUL JEONG (@kontakthof) October 14, 2014
“The rubber duck is temporarily taking a rest. Please give it strength so it can wake up soon!”
러버덕 구하러 간다 우왕! pic.twitter.com/8mubT0Nbpl — TAKE ME OUT / 콩♡♡ (@takemeout_jh) October 14, 2014
“We are coming to rescue you!”
Later that night, the giant duck was back on its webbed feet, fully inflated. Spectators, who were previously disappointed by the art project’s collapse, expressed their relief and excitement on twitter.
낮잠을 자니까 잠이 안오네…#꽥나잇 #불꺼라 #제때자라 pic.twitter.com/SmWBN0JtpS
— Rubber Duck Project (@RubberDuck_Proj) October 14, 2014
“After taking a nap, I can’t go back to sleep.”
Good night keep strong baby #RubberDuck pic.twitter.com/842CrSfxYn
— Weeks (@teweekk) October 14, 2014
