This photo provided by Melon, a domestic music streaming service, on April 9, 2024, shows the Seventeen Forest No. 2, created in Nanji Han River Park in western Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Apr. 10 (Korea Bizwire) – In a heartwarming display of environmental stewardship, the globally renowned K-pop group SEVENTEEN and their dedicated fans have joined forces with the music platform Melon to create a second forest under the platform’s eco-friendly initiative, further amplifying their positive influence.
According to an announcement made on April 9 by Kakao Entertainment’s Melon, the “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 2″ has been established within Seoul’s Nanji Hangang Park, following the success of the inaugural “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 1.”
Melon’s forest development initiative allows paid subscribers to contribute towards the creation of forests named after their favorite artists.
During the period of their paid subscription, a maximum of 2% of the monthly fee is automatically set aside.
Once the accumulated funds reach 20 million won under an artist’s name, the entire amount is donated to the Seoul Green Environment Center, which then establishes a forest within Seoul bearing that artist’s moniker.
Previous forest projects honoring artists like BTS and Lim Young-woong have garnered significant attention.
SEVENTEEN, having achieved remarkable success with over 16 million albums sold as of last year and cementing their status as a “K-pop supergroup,” also made history as the first male group in 23 years to top Melon’s Top 100 chart with their hit “Hot” from their 11th mini-album “SEVENTEEN HEAVEN,” solidifying their dominance in the digital music realm.
Driven by the explosive support of their devoted fan base, CARAT, SEVENTEEN unveiled their first “SEVENTEEN Forest” in October 2022. Merely six months later, the group announced the establishment of “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 2.”
On April 8, Melon, the Seoul Green Environment Center, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Future Han River Office jointly created the “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 2,” comprising three cherry trees, 300 forsythia plants, and 220 radish trees within Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu.
Fans and citizens can now visit the nearby grassy area of the Nanji Information Center to witness both the “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 1″ and “SEVENTEEN Forest No. 2.”
In recognition of the project’s success, Melon recently received the “Environmental Stepping Stone Award” from the Seoul Green Environment Center.
This honor is bestowed upon citizens and organizations that have actively contributed to addressing environmental issues in Seoul or promoting the center’s activities.
The award holds special significance as it reflects Melon’s collaborative efforts with music fans to exert a positive influence.
Fans of various genres, including ballads, hip-hop, trot, and indie, are eagerly participating in the initiative, accessible through the dedicated menu within the Melon app, united in their efforts to make a meaningful environmental impact while supporting their favorite artists.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
