Lovebugs Invade Seoul: Residents Demand Action Against Summer Pests

As lovebug swarms blanket Seoul and surrounding areas, municipal responses have leaned towards eco-friendly methods, leaving many residents advocating for more aggressive pest management strategies.

In the summer of 2025, an unexpected swarm of lovebugs has become a significant nuisance for residents in Seoul and its neighboring cities. These tiny insects, known for their distinctive mating pairs, have raised eyebrows and frustrations among the populace, with many demanding more effective extermination methods.

The Seoul municipal government has adopted a gentle approach to address the invasion, primarily consisting of water spraying to disperse the insects. Officials have actively promoted this environmentally friendly method, urging residents to join their efforts and refrain from using pesticides. “Lovebugs are not pests!” declares a government promotional video aimed at educating citizens about the harmless nature of these insects.

Despite these reassurances, residents are increasingly vocal about their grievances. Business owners like Ahn Yeon-sik have expressed their dissatisfaction, particularly as they find themselves constantly cleaning up layers of lovebug carcasses from their storefronts or dodging swarms while going about their daily lives. “There’s nothing beneficial about them,” Ahn lamented, highlighting the struggles faced by local businesses during this overwhelming infestation.

In public spaces, the presence of lovebugs has led to scenes of annoyance, with pedestrians swatting the bugs and trying to avoid contact. The sentiment among many residents is clear: the time for a more rigorous pest control approach has come. While officials maintain that lovebugs pose no health risks and will likely dissipate naturally, the insistence on a non-chemical approach has received mixed reactions.

Unease over the lovebug situation reflects wider debates about how cities balance ecological considerations and residents' comfort. The municipal decision to prioritize environmentally sound methods over immediate chemical solutions, though rooted in care for nature, has left the community grappling with these unwelcome summer visitors. As the infestation is expected to end soon, ongoing discussions around pest management strategies continue, showcasing the diverse opinions on the matter.