Ssan-dori, a young South Sea dolphin, has captured attention after escaping a discarded fishing net in Jeju, South Korea. The dolphin was first found entangled in a gill net on December 23, 2022, before receiving its name through a social media poll, which denotes a strong spirit and toughness. Despite efforts to monitor Ssan-dori by a local emergency rescue team, the dolphin evaded capture due to its swift swimming ability.

On March 19, 2023, after 87 days, Ssan-dori was spotted free from the net, although it had lost its dorsal fin in the struggle to break free. Filmmaker Oh Seung-mok, who documented the event, explained that the dolphin was wrapped tightly in the netting, and its ability to fight for survival led to the unfortunate loss of its fin. However, he expressed optimism about Ssan-dori's recovery, noting that its fin, made of fibrous tissue rather than muscle or bone, could heal if it does not suffer from infections.

The South Sea dolphin is classified as an endangered species on an international scale, and the population along the Jeju Island coast is currently estimated at about 120. Incidents of dolphins getting caught in discarded nets or fishing lines have been increasingly reported, highlighting environmental concerns and the challenges faced by marine life in the area. The story of Ssan-dori not only sheds light on individual resilience but also calls attention to the urgent need for better protection and conservation efforts for vulnerable marine species.