Samsami the Pig, Who Became a Grandfather's Son, Goes for Walks for Joint Health

In a market in Jindo, Jeollanam-do, there is a protagonist who receives all the intense attention of the people. It is 'Samsami', a pig with short but cute legs and a lovely snout. Samsami is not just livestock; to grandfather Jo Myeong-ho, the pig is an existence like a son that cannot be replaced by anything in the world.

Samsami the Pig, Inheriting the Name of a Departed Son

There is a heartbreaking story behind why grandfather Jo Myeong-ho cares for Samsami with such devotion. After losing his eldest son, Yeong-sam, to an unfortunate accident in the past, it was the piglet Samsami that came to the grandfather while he was immersed in grief. Because Samsami, who had lost its mother, was exceptionally lovely like a son, the grandfather began calling the pig 'Samsami' after his eldest son Yeong-sam. To the grandfather, Samsami is a family member who fills the empty space left by his son.

The grandfather's love is extraordinary. Having accompanied Samsami to the market for about three years now, the grandfather generously provides everything from scarves to pretty headbands for Samsami. Not only does he brush the pig's hair whenever he has a moment, but he also puts in his best efforts like he would for a child, always giving the pig a bath with cool water after walks.

Walks for Joint Health and Samsami's Playfulness

The reason the grandfather takes Samsami outside is for Samsami's health. Because pigs with weak joints can suffer if they gain even a little weight, he goes for walks every day with the hope that the chubby Samsami stays healthy. During the walks, Samsami's quirky behavior, such as stealing a pretty pink scarf to wear and excitedly leaving the house, also draws laughter.

However, Samsami is as full of playfulness as the grandfather's devotion. With biting being a given and eating whatever is in sight being a specialty, Samsami often causes commotion, such as eating the spinach harvested by the grandmother or showing obsession toward the food bowl. While his wife, grandmother Lee Chun-ja, complains that she has a hard time because of Samsami, she cannot hate him and ends up taking care of him.

The Disappeared Samsami and the Returned Laughter

One day, a commotion occurred when Samsami went outside the house. The grandmother even put up a sign in front of the house prohibiting pig entry, but when Samsami could not be seen, the grandfather searched for Samsami desperately as if he had lost a child. In the situation where Samsami had disappeared, the grandfather had nothing but worries for Samsami in his heart.

Fortunately, Samsami returned safely. While the grandmother sometimes shows signs of being tired because of Samsami, the grandfather cherishes Samsami's existence, calling him a lucky charm who brings laughter by his side. The elderly couple continues their special daily life with Samsami again today.