The area around Mount Geyang in Incheon is struggling with an outbreak of ‘lovebugs’ (Plecia nearctica), as the Ministry of Environment announced that it would start control measures. This region is notably the last constituency of President Lee Jae-myung during his time in the National Assembly, with Yoon Hwan of the Democratic Party currently serving as the head of Geyang District. Yoon’s remark that “citizens need to endure a bit more” has sparked controversy.
The Ministry of Environment’s involvement is seen as a response to rising public concern, indicating a need for central government action. Particularly, Geyang in Incheon is set to hold a by-election under the Public Official Election Act in June next year.
Lovebugs, presumed to originate from southern China, were first identified in Korea in 2015, with significant outbreaks occurring annually from June to July in the metropolitan area since 2022.
The Ministry of Environment deployed 37 personnel from its headquarters and affiliate institutions to work with 10 pest control workers from Geyang District Office, utilizing blowers, insect nets, and spraying equipment for the control operations.
Given that the accumulation of deceased lovebugs on-site leads to a bad odor, causing inconvenience to residents, the ministry plans to focus on a major collection effort.
However, Yoon, head of Geyang District, stated at a press briefing marking his third year in office, “As the lovebug outbreak is sudden, there were limitations in responding,” adding, “With so many complaints, I couldn’t even sleep if the word ‘lovebug’ was mentioned.”
He further commented, “If it were a harmful insect, we would disinfect. However, it is not considered a harmful insect,” and suggested that the favorable conditions of Mount Geyang might attract the lovebugs.
Yoon continued, “I believe citizens need to bear a bit,” and noted that exterminating the beneficial lovebugs might have sparked protests from environmental groups.
He emphasized, “Eradicating through pest control should be avoided. Lovebugs are harmless insects, so pest control is not ideal. Our role is to ensure citizens don’t face discomfort or odors.”
Between June 23 and 27, 359 complaints related to lovebugs were received in Geyang District. Since June 28, images of lovebugs covering the walking trail on Mount Geyang have spread across social media and online communities, resulting in dozens of daily complaints.
Despite this, lovebug larvae contribute positively by decomposing organic matter underground, thus enriching the soil and are therefore excluded from the pest control target list.
Yet, the Ministry of Environment, noting that lovebugs are attracted to light, has added three light-based capture devices at the site. The National Institute of Biological Resources under the ministry installed four such devices on Mount Geyang on July 2, finding them effective in attracting and capturing lovebugs during field testing.
Kim Tae-o, Director of the Natural Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment, acknowledged the severity of the insect outbreak and the growing environmental uncertainty due to climate change. He committed to closely monitoring outbreak patterns and collaborating with local governments from the onset of any outbreak, fully supporting with personnel, equipment, and emergency control budgets.
Going forward, the Ministry of Environment plans to strengthen the response system in collaboration with local governments to prepare for potential insect outbreaks.