INCHEON: K-pop’s BTS are grossed out by them. A YouTuber ate them. Hikers plough through them: South Korea is dealing with a “lovebug” invasion that experts say highlights worsening climate change.
First identified in South Korea a decade ago, Seoul is now annually hit by a weeks-long infestation of the Plecia nearctica insect, a type of March fly nicknamed “lovebug” for their distinctive mating behaviour, which sees them fly around in coupled pairs.
Huge clouds of the insects, which are harmless to humans, blanket apartment walls and mountain trails and, after they quickly die, leave behind piles of rotting black remains and a foul stench.
Complaints about the bugs, which scientists believe came from southern China and have surged with rising temperatures linked to climate change, have risen sharply, Seoul city data showed.
Even K-pop BTS idol RM is seen seemingly cursing upon spotting the insects in a viral video, with fellow bandmember Jin separately seen casually blowing a lovebug out of his way mid-performance.
“In general, many insects tend to grow more rapidly in warmer temperatures,” Ju Jung-won, a deputy researcher at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, told AFP.
“As for the lovebugs, it looks like the temperature and environment found in foreign regions where they are active are now taking hold in South Korea as well, allowing them to survive here.”
