Big Bang, Blackpink and SHINee forests take root in Seoul

Forests named after K-pop acts Big Bang, AKMU, Blackpink, SHINee have been created in Seoul, with NCT's set to be set up this month, project organizer Kakao Entertainment said Friday.

The forests named after Big Bang and AKMU were created at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Sept. 10, while Blackpink's and SHINee's were set up in the same park on Sept. 18.

There are already two forests named after NCT, and a third will be set up on Oct. 16 at Nolbit Square in Seoul Forest, located in Seongdong District, eastern Seoul. The upcoming NCT forest will have an area where fans can receive merch and freebies related to the boy band.

The forests are created in part of a donation project of Kakao Entertainment's music streaming platform Melon, which started in June 2022.

Users with a music streaming subscription can choose an artist to allocate 2 percent of their subscription fees each month. Once the accumulated amount reaches 20 million won ($14,700), Melon adds 5 million won and donates the full 25 million won to the Seoul Federation for Environmental Movement, which uses the funds to create a forest in the artist’s name.

A total of 25 forests, including the recent five, have been created through the project, consisting of 12,851 trees. The donations total 825 million won, according to Kakao Entertainment.

"A small initiative we started with fans has led to meaningful results in reducing carbon emissions in urban areas over the past four years," a Kakao Entertainment representative said. "With the people who love K-pop, we will continue to take the lead in fostering a fandom culture that expands its positive impact."

BY LEE TAE-HEE  [[email protected]]