Latest news with #Gyeyangsan
The Independent
04-07-2025
- Science
- The Independent
What is causing South Korea's ‘lovebug' crisis?
Residents in and around Seoul are battling clouds of insects dubbed 'lovebugs' that have blanketed hiking trails, observation decks, and popular mountain paths. Videos taken this week in Gyeyangsan Mountain, west of the capital, show trees, railings, and stairs crawling with the small black-winged bugs, which are officially known as Plecia longiforceps. The insects have earned the nickname 'lovebugs' because mating pairs fly while attached to each other. While they don't bite or transmit diseases, their sheer numbers have turned outdoor spaces into swarming black clouds, sparking alarm among hikers and tourists. Seoul's city authorities said complaints have more than doubled in a year, soaring from around 4,400 in 2023 to over 9,200 last year, as summer temperatures rise and allow the subtropical species to thrive further north. Originally native to warmer climates, Plecia longiforceps has expanded its range as South Korea warms, a trend experts link to climate change. They were first identified in South Korea during a major 2022 outbreak. The bugs' sudden proliferation has forced officials to dispatch crews to popular sites with water sprays and sticky traps, but Seoul's government has discouraged people from using pesticides due to potential harm to other insects and the environment. 'They have a disgusting appearance but are actually beneficial insects,' Seoul authorities said in public announcements. Residents have been advised to avoid wearing bright colours and limit time near lights at night, which attract the bugs in large numbers. Experts say adult lovebugs only live a few days, so the invasion should ease by mid-July, but officials warn the outbreaks could become an annual nuisance if temperatures continue to climb. Local television stations showed scenes of observation decks swarming with the insects, with workers constantly shovelling dead bugs from the ground. Wang Hyeon-jeong, an official from the Gyeyang district, confirmed the dramatic increase, said: "Compared with the past two years, the number of lovebugs sharply surged last weekend at the mountain." The 395m (1,295ft) mountain provides the type of hot, humid weather conditions in which lovebugs typically thrive, the Environment Ministry said, possibly leading to the insect population surge. In recent years, South Korea has experienced a series of unusually hot summers, with rising average temperatures extending further into spring and autumn. Experts believe these warmer, longer summers are allowing subtropical species like lovebugs to move north and survive in places like Seoul and Incheon, which were previously too cool for large populations to establish. Another factor is urban heat islands: large cities like Seoul can be several degrees warmer than surrounding rural areas because concrete and asphalt absorb and release heat, creating microclimates where insects adapted to warmer conditions can thrive. Moisture from recent rains or monsoon periods can further accelerate lovebug reproduction by providing ideal breeding conditions. Not just lovebugs, but many insects and other species are shifting into regions that were once too cold for them as global temperatures rise due to the burning of oil, gas and coal. In Europe, the tiger mosquito, a carrier of dengue and chikungunya, has spread north into France and Germany. In the US, southern pine beetles have moved into forests of the northeastern states, damaging trees that were previously protected by colder winters. Experts say this poleward and uphill spread of species is one of the most immediate and visible impacts of the climate crisis on ecosystems worldwide.
CNN
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Jeffries uses ‘magic minute' to rail against Trump's megabill
Jeffries uses 'magic minute' to rail against Trump's megabill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is using his 'magic minute' to draw out debate on Republicans' megabill and express Democratic opposition to the sweeping multi-trillion-dollar policy package. 01:19 - Source: CNN Vertical Trending Now 13 videos Jeffries uses 'magic minute' to rail against Trump's megabill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is using his 'magic minute' to draw out debate on Republicans' megabill and express Democratic opposition to the sweeping multi-trillion-dollar policy package. 01:19 - Source: CNN 'Squid Game' season three breaks record for Netflix Season three of 'Squid Game' is setting world records for Netflix with the most views of a show in three days and the number one ranked show in all available countries worldwide in its premiere week, says the streaming company. 00:37 - Source: CNN The teens trying to make 'MAHA' cool Lexi Vrachalus and Grace Price are two of the young influencers behind the newly formed 'MAHA Girls' account. They're bringing their social followings and "Make America Healthy Again" influence together to recruit a younger cohort of MAHA devotees. CNN's Meena Duerson chats with the 19-year-olds about where the movement is going. 02:51 - Source: CNN See swarms of 'lovebugs' invade South Korea Video posted on social media shows thousands of 'lovebugs' blanketing hiking trails on the Gyeyangsan mountain. South Korea is wrestling with an outbreak of the insects, which have been driven into warmer urban areas like Seoul due to climate change, according to a 2022 study. 00:42 - Source: CNN Beyoncé's 'flying' car prop tilts midair A technical mishap led to Beyoncé's 'flying' car prop to tilt during a Cowboy Carter concert in Houston, with fans capturing the moment on video. The singer was quickly lowered down and without injury, according to Beyoncé's entertainment and management company. 00:57 - Source: CNN 'Cobra Kai' star Alicia Hannah-Kim accuses co-star of biting her "Cobra Kai" star Martin Kove allegedly bit co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a fan convention in Washington, claiming it was a joke, according to police. 03:02 - Source: CNN See Jonathan Anderson's highly anticipated Dior debut Jonathan Anderson, founder of JW Anderson, made his debut as creative director of Dior. His collection, Dior menswear Spring/Summer 2026, was showcased during Paris Fashion Week. 00:45 - Source: CNN What biohacker Bryan Johnson says is the most powerful drug in existence CNN's Boris Sanchez spoke with controversial biohacker Bryan Johnson about the impact of the medical experiments he's done and what he thinks is the most underrated aspect of health. 01:08 - Source: CNN See swarms of 'lovebugs' invade South Korea Video posted on social media shows thousands of 'lovebugs' blanketing hiking trails on the Gyeyangsan mountain. South Korea is wrestling with an outbreak of the insects, which have been driven into warmer urban areas like Seoul due to climate change, according to a 2022 study. 00:42 - Source: CNN Thousands defy ban on Budapest Pride Protesters in Budapest are marching against a ban on Pride events across Hungary. People came from 30 different countries to show support under scorching heat, organizers said. 00:53 - Source: CNN Two men reunite baby bird with its mother Two men were walking in their neighborhood when they heard chirping near a sewer. When they approached, they could see a baby bird trapped inside the sewer. 01:17 - Source: CNN Newlyweds Bezos and Sanchez spotted on boat ride CNN's Melissa Bell reports from Venice, Italy, following newlyweds Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez as they wave at spectators during their boat ride through the city. 00:45 - Source: CNN Brad Pitt's home burglarized The Los Angeles Police Department said a break-in occurred at a house in the Los Feliz neighborhood. A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation confirmed to CNN that it belongs to actor Brad Pitt. 00:32 - Source: CNN
