Hyosung, First-Ever Release of Endangered Jewel Beetles into the Wild in Korea

Hyosung has stepped up to restore the ecosystem by releasing artificially propagated endangered jewel beetles into the wild for the first time in Korea.

On the 23rd, the company announced that from the 19th to the 20th, roughly 20 employees from Hyosung Corporation, Hyosung TNC, and Hyosung Heavy Industries participated in a jewel beetle release event held in the vicinity of Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang, Gyeongnam Province.

The employees inspected the jewel beetle habitat together and released the jewel beetles that were artificially propagated with success into their ecological habitats.

Jewel beetles are rare insects that are called ‘silk’ due to their metallic luster in green, gold, and red colors. Due to their extremely small numbers, they are designated as Natural Monument No. 496 and a class-one critically endangered insect.

This event was praised as an exemplary ESG management practice case that has expanded artificial breeding technology to tangible ecological restoration.

Hyosung Corporation, Hyosung TNC Co., Ltd., Hyosung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., and Hyosung Chemical Co., Ltd. provided facilities for the artificial breeding of jewel beetles and giant water bugs to TFIF Korea Co., Ltd. in September last year, laying the foundation for their release into the wild. Then, in April this year, these affiliates signed a business agreement (MOU) with the National Institute of Ecology and TFIF Korea Co., Ltd. for ‘Endangered Insect Restoration and Biodiversity Promotion.’

Hyosung CEO Hwang Yoon-eon said, “This volunteer activity is significant as the first-ever restoration of endangered jewel beetle to nature in Korea,” and added, “We will continue to carry out similar activities and support for ecological conservation in the future.”

Hyosung is also consistently carrying out various species conservation activities, such as creating a marine ecosystem of seagrass bed and providing food for endangered migratory birds.