In South Korea, over two decades have passed since efforts to restore the Asian black bear population began, particularly in Jeongbong National Park, where the population has increased from six bears in 2004 to nearly 100 today. This recovery of a species that was once nearly extinct in the Korean Peninsula is a significant achievement for the country's conservation policies. However, this success has raised concerns about the potential for conflicts between humans and bears, especially in light of increasing reports of bear encounters and casualties in Japan, making many South Koreans feel uneasy about living in proximity to these large wild animals.

Despite these concerns, it is noteworthy that the country has experienced no incidents of human fatalities due to bear attacks in the past two decades, with the only reported case involving a resident who was injured in a fall after encountering a bear while mushroom picking. With Japan's bear population estimated at around 56,000, the stark contrast in numbers invites extreme fears among the populace, which can be counterproductive. The article emphasizes that public safety cannot be left to chance or individual caution and, therefore, calls for rigorous safety measures from responsible agencies based on scientific data to manage coexistence effectively.

Leading wildlife researcher Steven Herrero from the University of Calgary highlights through his 50 years of experience studying bears that coexistence without serious conflicts is achievable, provided there is strict management of food and waste that could attract bears. The article suggests that wildlife policy should shift from managing bear populations for numbers to establishing appropriate distancing protocols, supported by data collected on bear movements, in order to enhance safety and ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and bears.