Major Korean K-pop agencies are accused of greenwashing when promoting digital “smart albums.” while maintaining aggressive marketing tactics that force fans to bulk-buy physical CDs to access fan events. Since 2021, the top four domestic entertainment companies — HYBE, SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment — have produced 6,667 tons of disposable plastic. This volume equals the weight of roughly 4,445 mid-size cars. The primary source of this waste is the traditional compact disc. Manufacturers use polycarbonate to press CDs, a material that takes about 100 years to decompose naturally. If the discs are landfilled or incinerated, they release greenhouse gases and pollutants. In response to criticism, the industry introduced smart albums that allow listeners to access music via near field communication (NFC) technology or QR codes. However, an investigation by the Hankook Ilbo into 58 albums with CD-less options released by the four major agencies last year revealed a systemic reliance on physical media. With the sole exception of BTS member J-Hope’s “Charm of Hope
Co-payment scheme to expand in May
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