Harmless or a nuisance? Lovebug outbreak in South Korea sparks heated debate

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Although the swarms have disrupted daily life, experts and officials stress that these insects are not only harmless, but also beneficial.

PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL - An outbreak of lovebugs across South Korea has sparked heated debate, pitting frustrated citizens against environmental and animal rights groups over whether the harmless insects should be exterminated.

While the swarms have disrupted daily life

“Eradicating a species just because it causes discomfort, without any scientific or ecological justification, is an act of arrogance,” an animal rights activist told The Korea Herald. Activists argue against killing these organisms, especially when the creatures pose no harm to human health.

However, many citizens are calling for a full eradication.

One resident named only as Mr Choi, 30, told The Korea Herald. “What’s the definition of ‘causing harm?’ If these bugs damage property and block access to roads and public areas, doesn’t that make them pests?”

Amid the intensifying debate, misinformation and mockery against environmentalists have also begun to circulate online.

A series of viral images recently spread on social media appeared to show an animal rights activist tearfully pleading for the protection of lovebugs, holding a sign labelled Lovebug Rights Committee and condemning their eradication. In a second photo, the same activist is shown panicking and swearing when the insects land on the person’s face.

The images, however, were confirmed to be fabricated. According to AFP’s