Thanks to the joint efforts of leading music platform Melon and K-pop fans, Seoul is becoming greener.
Melon, the music platform operated by Kakao Entertainment (co-CEOs Kwon Kisoo and Jang Yoon Jung), recently inaugurated the 16th “Aespa Forest No.1” at Nanji Hangang Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, as part of its eco-friendly Forest;Trimming project, which creates forests in the names of fan-supported artists. Melon also announced that the 17th forest, named “Younha Forest No.1,” will soon be created at the same location.
Launched in June 2022, the Forest;Trimming project allows any Melon subscriber to create a forest in the name of their favorite artist. As long as the subscription is active, users can simply select the artist’s name on the project page, and up to 2% of the monthly subscription fee is automatically accumulated. Once the amount reaches 20 million won (about $16,000 USD) for an artist, the full sum is donated to the Seoul Federation for the Environment to create a forest in that artist’s name within the city.
These new forests are the result of the enthusiasm and active participation of the fandoms MY (aespa) and Y.HOLICS (Younha), who succeeded in reaching the fundraising goal. On September 9, Melon, the Seoul Federation for the Environment, and the Seoul Hangang Future Headquarters inaugurated the “Aespa Forest No.1” at Nanji Hangang Park, and the “Younha Forest No.1” will officially open on October 2.
In “Aespa Forest No.1,” located within Nanji Hangang Park, a total of 403 trees were planted: three 8-year-old Ipap trees, 300 3-year-old Nandina domestica shrubs, and 100 3-year-old Hydrangea arborescens. The space has been transformed into a green area filled with the affection of fans. “Younha Forest No.1” will also consist of 403 trees, including three 8-year-old Ipap trees, 200 3-year-old Hydrangea arborescens, and 200 3-year-old Spiraea.
AESPA, who has established itself as a “4th generation leader” in K-pop, recorded 1.11 million pre-orders for its sixth mini-album “RICH MAN”, released on September 5, signaling their seventh consecutive million-seller. Immediately after release, the album topped major music charts not only in Korea but also in China and Japan, drawing strong global attention. The group will kick off its third world tour in October in Fukuoka, Japan, expanding its global activities in full force.
Meanwhile, YOUNHA, one of Korea’s most iconic singer-songwriters, held an exclusive fan meeting, the “2025 Younha Holics 9th Fanmeeting,” at Seoul’s KBS Arena on August 9 and 10. She continues to connect with audiences through various festival stages and also serves as the host of the web variety show Wooju Record, where she shares musical exchanges with diverse artists.
Fans and citizens visiting the lawn near the Nanji Information Center can discover not only the “Aespa Forest No.1” and “Younha Forest No.1,” but also other fan-created forests, including “BTS Forest No.1 & No.2,” “SEVENTEEN Forest No.1 & No.2,” “Lim Young-woong Forest No.1 & No.2,” “EXO Forest,” “TXT Forest No.1 & No.2,” “NCT Forest No.1 & No.2,” “(G)I-DLE Forest No.1,” and “Lee Chan-won Forest No.1.” In addition, the “BTS Forest No.3” at Ttukseom Hangang Park and the “SEVENTEEN Forest No.3” at Boramae Park, which feature a significantly increased number of trees, provide additional green spaces for relaxation throughout the city.
Furthermore, anyone can participate in the Forest;Trimming project by clicking the dedicated menu located in the quick-access tab on the far right of the Melon app. Fans of various music genres, including K-pop, ballads, hip-hop, trot, and indie, are joining forces to create a positive impact.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Melon
