In the realm of Kpop, the number of album sales serves as a measure of an idol group’s triumph and the dedication of their fans.
However, a contentious trend has ignited discussions among internet users, bringing focus to its impact on the environment.
The problem at hand is fans buying albums in large quantities just to get their hands on limited photocards, resulting in mass disposal of the albums and causing an environmental outcry.
they really need to stop giving birth to people after 2010 🙄 looping blender music or turning the environment into a landfill with their discarded albums isn’t the ‘IMPACT’ that would elevate them to the same echelon as Twice. hopE that HELPs! https://t.co/AHJp6td36W pic.twitter.com/lfvJ9bLh59
— 🧡 zozozoe ⁹ (@uppercasehyo) May 4, 2024
The act of practicing this has provoked anger among many online, who see it as a clear disregard for the environment. As supporters search for ways to display their allegiance, the harmful effects on the planet have become more and more apparent.
“HYBE bought Pledis because they knew 17 was a threat to them” Yes photocard sellers are threat to the environment. pic.twitter.com/bDkqpN9q54
— Aboni ⁷🍉 (@btsdeblueprint) May 1, 2024
Some critics argue that these actions not only result in wastage but also go against the principles of being an idol fan, which typically focuses on loyalty and admiration.
In reaction to increasing pressure, numerous Kpop companies have implemented measures to alleviate their environmental footprint.
For example, VICTON has adopted digital releases, and SF9 has also made a change by using biodegradable materials for their albums, indicating a growing emphasis on sustainability in the entertainment business.
FUN FACT this SF9 album is ECO FRIENDLY LOHH #GOGREEN This SF9 album uses more than 80% eco friendly materials such as: – Special paper, don’t know what paper – Soybean oil ink 😭 can decompose 😭 don’t know if it’s aph – water-based coating or not what the heck jfhfhf pic.twitter.com/eXNMeolQhO
— Matthew! 🫨 (@seogmatchu) July 13, 2022
The focus has shifted to HYBE, BTS’s management company, as they are under scrutiny for their management of environmental issues.
In light of the upcoming debut of BTS member J-Hope’s solo album, “Jack In The Box,”HYBE has made a revolutionary choice to not produce any physical albums.
7 discs???? What happened to the special HYBE dept for environmental concerns??? #jhope couldn’t get one disc, but every other HYBE label group & now these all get multiple discs & photobooks. We want true physical #JackInTheBox albums @HYBE_MERCH @HYBEOFFICIALtwt @BIGHIT_MUSIC https://t.co/t4AApThSBt
– 🖤Wendi💙Hobi¹⁴⁵🩷 (@AllMyLove2Hobi) July 25, 2022
Additionally, instead of physical merchandise, fans will now receive a QR code for digital access and a randomly selected photocard. Although praised for its environmentally conscious approach, this choice has faced criticism from BTS’s passionate fan community.
i hope Hybe has that building decorated with red carpet and fireworks and some airplanes and maybe a helicopter or five and don’t give me any nonsense about environmental concerns
— oomfenshmirtz (@o_biennis) May 2, 2024
Despite the concerns raised by critics, the timing and necessity of implementing this policy for J-Hope’s first solo venture has been questioned by many. They argue that the lack of physical albums may impede J-Hope’s success and connection with fans, particularly due to the limited differences between album versions.
Anybody I see talking abt boycotting jhope’s album can quite literally block me and go to hell bcz the last time I check we were NEVER boycotting their albums! Y’all said MERCH!! then yall jumped on streams! N streams have ntn to do w hybe and now jhope’s self made album??
— Kadi luvs jungkook⁷⁼¹ | rpwp (@yoongiloverthv) February 18, 2024
Additionally, HYBE has faced accusations of hypocrisy, as netizens have pointed out the company’s investment in NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as contradictory to their environmental values.
How do they talk about NF* and a few minutes later mention a committee for environmental values? HYBE it doesn’t add up
— ACT: Mari⁷ (@mar_at18) August 3, 2022
Despite promoting eco-friendly efforts, HYBE’s participation in NFTs, known for their negative impact on the environment, has sparked doubts about the authenticity of their environmental stance.
Amidst growing tensions, both fans and netizens are eagerly anticipating HYBE’s response to the increasing criticism.
The interaction between fan demands, environmental issues, and corporate policies highlights the challenges of promoting sustainability in the constantly evolving world of Kpop fandom.
Despite the ongoing debates, it is evident that the combination of music, fandom, and environmentalism presents complex challenges that require careful contemplation and responsible actions from all parties involved.
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