[Edaily Reporter Han Kwangbeom ] #Kakao Entertainment’s music platform Melon announced on the 2nd that it will create five additional forests through “Forest; Trimming,” an eco-friendly project that involves creating urban forests named after artists in collaboration with fans.

Following the creation of “BIGBANG Forest No. 1” and “AKMU Forest No. 1” on the lawn at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 10th of last month, Melon created “BLACKPINK Forest No. 1” and “SHINee Forest No. 1” on the 18th. "NCT Forest No. 3" is scheduled to be created on the 16th at the Nolbit Plaza in Seoul Forest.

Launched in June 2022, the “Forest; Trimming” program operates by allowing Melon subscribers to select an artist they wish to support, with up to 2% of their monthly subscription fee credited toward that artist’s fund. Once 20 million won is accumulated for a specific artist, Melon adds an additional 5 million won, donating a total of 25 million won to the Seoul Environmental Movement Federation and creating a forest named after the artist in Seoul.

Including these five new forests, a total of 25 forests have been created through “Forest; Trimming” over the past four years, with 12,851 trees planted. The cumulative donation amount stands at 825 million won.

Melon explained that, considering the Japanese snowbell trees—the primary species planted in these forests—absorb approximately 21.7 kg of carbon dioxide per tree annually, the annual carbon absorption capacity of the currently established forests amounts to about 279 metric tons. This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions produced by 100 passenger cars operating for one year.

Notably, the “NCT Forest No. 3” being established this time will feature a mailbox installed behind the commemorative plaque, serving as a space for fans to share merchandise and gifts. Nanji Han River Park is also home to existing forests such as “Youngtak Forest No. 1,” “BTS Forests No. 1 and 2,” and “Lim Young-woong Forests No. 1 and 2.”

A Melon representative stated, “The small efforts we began with fans are leading to tangible results in reducing carbon emissions in the city,” adding, “We will continue to foster a fandom culture that spreads positive influence.”