South Korea’s Lovebug Invasion: Seoul Residents annoyed by Swarming Insects

Seoul is currently experiencing a significant increase in its lovebug population, leading to widespread public annoyance and prompting government officials to seek effective management strategies. These insects, known scientifically as *Shoulders LongipForceps*, are dive-bombing pedestrians and covering hiking trails, quickly becoming a major topic of discussion in South Korea’s capital.

The Rise of the Lovebugs

Referred to as “lovebugs” due to their mating behavior of flying around attached to one another, these insects first appeared in the Seoul metropolitan area around 2015. Experts suggest they likely migrated from southeastern China. The sudden population boom this year remains a puzzle, with researchers actively investigating the underlying causes [[1]].

Did you Know? Lovebugs are not unique to South Korea. Similar species exist in other parts of the world, often experiencing population surges under specific environmental conditions.

Climate Change or Urban Heat?

While some media outlets attribute the surge to climate change, Shin Seung-gwan, a biologist at Seoul National University, argues that this description is incomplete. He points out that the lovebug concentration is higher in the Seoul area, rather than the warmer southern regions of the country. Shin suggests the urban heat island effect, where cities experience significantly warmer temperatures than surrounding areas, might potentially be a more influential factor. Though, he emphasizes that the current scale of the population surge is unusual and requires further investigation.

Are Lovebugs Dangerous?

Fortunately, lovebugs pose no direct threat to human health. They do not bite or transmit diseases. One adventurous YouTuber even consumed a bagful of lovebugs, describing their flavor as “like trees,” though not notably delicious. The primary issue is the general sense of disgust they evoke in the population.

Pro Tip: While lovebugs are harmless, avoid swatting them as squashed bugs can create unpleasant stains.

Public Sentiment and government response

According to a survey by Embrain, a local data company, Seoul residents find lovebugs only slightly less repulsive than cockroaches and bedbugs; 86% of respondents view them as pests. Complaints to the city about lovebugs more than doubled between 2022 and 2024, rising from 4,418 to 9,296, according to government data.

The lovebug situation has even entered the political arena.Conservative lawmaker Ahn Seeol-Soo recently used the insects as a metaphor to criticize a controversial cabinet appointment by liberal president Lee Jae-myung.

From Pest Control to PR Campaign

Last year, there was a proposal to officially designate lovebugs as pests, which would have allowed for chemical extermination. However, environmental activists raised concerns about the potential health and safety risks. This year, the city is attempting a different approach: a public relations campaign aimed at improving the image of lovebugs.

An animated video released by the Seoul government’s health department emphasizes that “Lovebugs,they aren’t pests! Excessive pest control only ends up hurting the environment and our health and should be avoided as much as possible.” The video also highlights the environmental benefits of lovebugs, noting that adults pollinate flowers and larvae aid in composting.

while the long-term ecological impact of lovebugs is still under study, biologist Shin suggests they may eventually find a balanced place in the ecosystem.He notes that invasive species often experience population booms initially, but natural enemies or pathogens typically emerge over time, leading to population stabilization.

A similar pattern was observed with the spotted lanternfly,another invasive insect that initially caused significant damage in South Korea. The lanternfly population eventually declined after a parasitic wasp, which kills its eggs, became established.

Lovebug Complaint Statistics in Seoul

what measures do you think are most effective for managing invasive species in urban environments? How can cities balance pest control with environmental protection?