Kpop4Planet, an eco-conscious fan group united to fight environmental damage caused by the music industry, announced the results of its “2024 Sustainable K-pop Awards.”
The ceremony took place in front of HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, after the survey, which took place from November 16 to December 17 last year, gathered opinions from more than 10,000 fans on the entertainment industry’s environmental practices.
HYBE, home to superstars BTS and SEVENTEEN, has won two dubious awards: “Environmental Pollution of the Year” and “Hottest Entertainment Company of the Year.”
The company was recognized for its most excessive album marketing, which Kpop4Planet said contributed to increased waste and pollution, according to the Korean outlet News.
As K-pop expands its influence in the global market, physical album sales have increased to determine artists’ standing in the industry.
With this, labels have implemented various strategies to increase sales, such as giving away rare photo cards, using albums to give away random tickets for fan meetings, and releasing albums with multiple covers to entice collectors.
In the protest that resembled an awards ceremony, the organization revealed glow stick-inspired trophies engraved with HYBE’s name, along with plaques highlighting the company’s contribution to the environmental crisis.
“HYBE’s wasteful victory. The Sustainable K-pop Awards 2024. A low point or a turning point,” read a banner at the protest.
HYBE takes pride in its sustainability management and expresses hope to drive positive change in the industry. However, the company faced backlash following Kpop4Planet’s announcement.
The criticism intensified when the company won first place in the “Let’s Go for Eco-Friendly Fan Meetings in the New Year” initiative (Sustainable Fan-call Rookie) on the day of the protest.
Meanwhile, behind HYBE are YG, SM and JYP Entertainment, who ranked second to fourth in order.
