Hyosung Releases Endangered Natural Monument "Jewel Beetle" into the Wild for the First Time in Korea

Releasing Endangered Jewel Beetles
with Soopsokui Jageun Chingudeul

Hyosung has taken the lead in ecosystem restoration by releasing artificially bred endangered jewel beetles into the wild for the first time in Korea.

Hyosung held a natural release event for endangered jewel beetles around Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang, Gyeongnam, on the 19th and 20th. Photo by Hyosung

Hyosung announced on the 23rd that, from the 19th to the 20th, around 20 employees from Hyosung, Hyosung TNC, and Hyosung Heavy Industries participated in a jewel beetle release event held around Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang, Gyeongnam. The employees inspected the beetles' habitat together and released the successfully bred jewel beetles into their natural environment.

The jewel beetle is a rare insect named for its silk-like appearance, featuring metallic green, gold, and red hues. Due to its extremely small population, it has been designated as Natural Monument No. 496 and classified as a first-class endangered insect.

This event is considered a representative example of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management in practice, as it expands artificial breeding technology into tangible ecosystem restoration efforts.

In September last year, Hyosung, Hyosung TNC, Hyosung Heavy Industries, and Hyosung Chemical supported the installation of facilities for the artificial breeding of jewel beetles and water bugs at Soopsokui Jageun Chingudeul, laying the foundation for this natural release. In April, they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Institute of Ecology and Soopsokui Jageun Chingudeul to collaborate on the restoration of endangered insects and the promotion of biodiversity.

Hyosung CEO Hwang Yuneon stated, "This activity is especially meaningful as it marks the first restoration of the endangered jewel beetle to the wild in Korea," adding, "We will continue to support and engage in activities for ecological conservation in the future."

In addition, Hyosung has been consistently engaged in various species conservation activities, including the creation of eelgrass forests in marine ecosystems and providing food support for endangered migratory birds.