The South Korean capital of Seoul has witnessed a significant rise in public complaints regarding rat sightings, with reports nearly doubling over the past three years. According to data revealed by Representative Kim Wi-sang of the People Power Party, a total of 9,280 complaints were filed by residents between 2020 and July 2025. While annual reports remained below 2,000 until 2023, the figure surged to 2,181 in 2024, with 1,555 complaints already recorded by July 2025. The districts of Gangnam, Gwanak, and Mapo were identified as the most affected areas. Experts attribute this increase to climate change, which has altered the urban ecosystem, extending rats’ breeding seasons and improving their survival rates during warmer winters. Representative Kim emphasized the need for enhanced pest control and urban management systems to prevent a potential surge in the rat population, which could lead to severe public health issues. The Seoul Metropolitan Government also highlighted that redevelopment projects, construction activities, and extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall, have displaced rats from their natural habitats, driving them into urban areas. Despite the rise in sightings, the city noted a decline in rat-borne diseases like leptospirosis and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, with no fatalities reported in recent years.