The episode of SBS's 'Animal Farm' that aired on the 10th recorded a viewership rating of 4.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, with a peak rating of 5.5% per minute, according to Nielsen Korea. The 'most-watched minute' of the day featured the heartbreaking scene where Haengun-i, having safely made it back to the apartment complex in Gimpo, wandered the familiar walking trails in search of its owner.
The process by which Haengun-i—a dog typically known for being timid and afraid of unfamiliar environments—navigated its way back from Bucheon, a place it had never visited before, to its home in Gimpo, stunned even the production crew. Tracking revealed that Haengun-i endured perilous moments, including crossing a six-lane road filled with speeding vehicles and walking against traffic on a highway, all while pushing forward solely toward 'home.'
After overcoming countless hardships, Haengun-i arrived in Gimpo and was reunited with its owner, Gyeong-hwa, eight days after going missing, thanks to a tip from a neighbor. When found, Haengun-i's paws were raw and its body was covered in ticks, a testament to the exhaustion it endured.
An expert analyzed the event as a near-impossible miracle, stating, "Overcoming the fear of an unfamiliar place and hunger to travel such a long distance to find home was only possible due to the strong emotional bond with its family."
After watching the footage of Haengun-i's journey, owner Gyeong-hwa burst into tears and expressed her gratitude, saying, "I feel like Haengun-i has shown me the greatest devotion possible. Let's live truly happily from now on."
Meanwhile, 'Animal Farm' airs every Sunday at 9:30 AM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)