K-pop CD Sales Hit Record High, Sparking Environmental Concerns in South Korea
K-pop CD sales surpassed 100 million units in 2023, marking a 50% increase from the previous year amid growing environmental concerns. This surge, unique to South Korea, stems from music labels' marketing strategies that include collectible items and prize opportunities with each album purchase.
A study by Keele University reveals that producing a single CD generates approximately 500 grams of carbon emissions. Environmental group Kpop4Planet notes that weekly sales from just one K-pop group could produce emissions equivalent to "flying around the Earth 74 times."
Hand holds compact disc, rainbow effect
Industry response includes efforts from Hybe, which claims to use "eco-friendly materials" for albums and merchandise, though specific details weren't provided. South Korea's environmental ministry has implemented fines, charging labels approximately 2 billion Korean won ($1,430,000) in 2023.
The increase in physical album production intensified during the pandemic as labels sought to offset lost touring revenue. Environmental groups continue advocacy efforts through protests and petition campaigns, aiming to balance industry accountability with artist support.
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