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Bedbugs on Blockchain: South Korea Experiments With DLT to Fight Pest Infestation

2 mins
Updated by Kyle Baird
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In Brief

  • Blockchain engineer Kang Jae-gu leverages data to map South Korea's escalating bedbug infestations.
  • In response to bedbugs in gosiwon housing, Seoul invests heavily, paralleling blockchain's problem-solving potential.
  • Jamie Coutts foresees blockchain usage soaring to 100 million daily users in under five years.
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In a fusion of technology and public health, South Korea is witnessing a novel application of blockchain technology. 29-year-old blockchain engineer Kang Jae-gu is spearheading the fight against a bedbug crisis.

This innovative approach resonates with the global trend of blockchain’s growing influence, as predicted by crypto analyst Jamie Coutts, who expects a surge to 100 million daily blockchain users in the near future.

South Korea Pulls Out Blockchain Weapon in Bedbug Battle

Kang is taking a data-driven approach to map bedbug infestations across South Korea. He created bedbugboard.com, which uses blockchain to power an interactive map that marks approximate locations of infestations.

Blockchain bedbug tracker being used in South Korea to fight against infestations. Source: Bedbugboard
Blockchain bedbug tracker being used in South Korea to fight against infestations. Source: Bedbugboard

Indeed, this effort showcases how blockchain’s inherent qualities of transparency and decentralization can be leveraged in public health crises. Kang explained his motivation,

“I am extremely sensitive to insects, so I sleep under a mosquito net throughout all four seasons.”

Meanwhile, the site’s popularity has skyrocketed and now attracts 50,000 daily visitors. It’s a testament to its value in providing reliable, real-time information.

Read more: Deploying Blockchain Infrastructure: Challenges and Solutions 

Solving Real-World Problems

Seoul’s response to the bedbug invasion, notably in compact housing units like gosiwon and jjokbang, parallels the problem-solving ethos of blockchain. Additionally, The Seoul city government has allocated a significant 700 million won ($535,000) to protect residents in vulnerable housing.

This proactive stance also echoes the adaptability and solution-focused nature of blockchain technology, as outlined by Coutts, who emphasizes the technology’s robust adoption irrespective of market cycles.

Kim Ju-hyeon, a professor at Seoul National University’s School of Tropical Medicine, underlined the gravity of the situation with his words:

“Bedbugs can live for over 100 days even if they do not eat properly. They are thin and also hide well.”

The confluence of Kang’s blockchain-driven initiative with Seoul’s decisive action highlights a broader narrative. Furthermore, it reflects an era where technology like blockchain transcends its traditional boundaries. It can offer tangible solutions to real-world problems, mirroring Coutts’ view of blockchain’s inevitable and substantial impact.

As the world grapples with various challenges, the role of blockchain in sectors beyond finance continues to grow. Overall, It gives way to a future where technology and human resilience converge to combat even the most persistent of pests.

Read more: What Is Blockchain Interoperability?

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Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content.
This article was initially compiled by an advanced AI, engineered to extract, analyze, and organize information from a broad array of sources. It operates devoid of personal beliefs, emotions, or biases, providing data-centric content. To ensure its relevance, accuracy, and adherence to BeInCrypto’s editorial standards, a human editor meticulously reviewed, edited, and approved the article for publication.

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Kyle Baird
Kyle migrated from the East Coast USA to South-East Asia after graduating from Pennsylvania's East Stroudsburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2010. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Kyle got his start buying stocks and precious metals in his teens. This sparked his interest in learning and writing about cryptocurrencies. He started as a copywriter for Bitcoinist in 2016 before taking on an editor's role at BeInCrypto at the beginning of 2018.
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