Researchers from Jeonnam University’s Korean Dinosaur Research Center and the University of Texas at Austin have announced the discovery of a new dinosaur species in South Korea, named ‘Doolisaurus hermini.’ This species, which measures about one meter in length, was unearthed in Shinan, Jeonnam, and is a homage to Dooly, a beloved animated character in Korea. The name ‘hermini’ pays tribute to Heo Min, a leading expert in Korean dinosaur studies, highlighting the intersection of popular culture and scientific discovery.

The fossil discovery is significant, marking the first new dinosaur identification in Korea in 15 years. The research team led by Dr. Jeong Jong-yun released their findings in the academic journal ‘Fossil Record,’ noting that this baby dinosaur is approximately two years old, and initial findings revealed several preserved bones including limb and vertebrae. Further investigation confirmed the presence of a skull fragment and many other bones, indicating a rich fossil record at the site, which had only been expected to yield a few isolated remains.

Analyses suggest that Doolisaurus was an omnivore, as indicated by the discovery of gizzard stones used in digestion, and it belonged to the theropod group of dinosaurs, which thrived in East Asia and North America during the mid-Cretaceous period, approximately 113 to 94 million years ago. The implications of this find extend beyond the scientific realm, bridging connections between cultural icons and paleontology in South Korea, and enhancing the understanding of the diversity of early-diverging neornithischians.