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Kpop4Planet
Kpop4Planet (K4P) is the K-pop fandom's most consequential climate organization. Founded in 2021 by Kim Hye-kyeong (Korea) and Nurul Sarifah (Indonesia), the group mobilizes K-pop fans to hold corporations and governments accountable on environmental commitments. In five years, it has grown to over 87,000 participants across 89 countries and run 11 campaigns spanning automotive, fashion, tech, and entertainment industries.
The headline result came in 2024 when Kpop4Planet forced Hyundai Motor to walk away from a deal with Adaro Minerals, an Indonesian coal-linked aluminum supplier. The abandoned project would have emitted an estimated 5.2 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually. That outcome, documented by Reuters and major wire services, established Kpop4Planet as a player in corporate accountability, not just cultural advocacy.
The organization does not exempt the industry it loves. Campaigns have targeted album overproduction, photocard waste, and the energy sourcing of streaming platforms. Melon committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030 following K4P pressure. BLACKPINK's fandom has been among the most engaged in the group's campaigns, and YG Entertainment pledged carbon neutrality by 2040 under sustained scrutiny.
In 2026, National Geographic named Kim and Sarifah to its NG33 list in the Visionaries category, placing them alongside Harrison Ford and Stella McCartney. Both were previously named to the BBC's 100 Women list in 2023 and The Independent's Climate 100 in 2024. Kim is the first Korean national selected for the NG33.
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Fans Also Ask
What is Kpop4Planet?
Kpop4Planet (K4P) is a K-pop fan-led climate advocacy organization founded in March 2021. It mobilizes K-pop fans to pressure corporations and governments to adopt sustainable practices. As of 2026, it has over 87,000 participants in 89 countries and has run 11 climate campaigns targeting industries from automotive to entertainment.
Who founded Kpop4Planet?
Kpop4Planet was founded in 2021 by Lee Dayeon (also known as Kim Hye-kyeong), a first-generation K-pop fan from South Korea, and Nurul Sarifah, an Indonesian youth climate activist. Both were named to National Geographic NG33 2026 in the Visionaries category, and previously to the BBC 100 Women list in 2023.
What has Kpop4Planet accomplished?
Kpop4Planet has run 11 climate campaigns with measurable outcomes. Its biggest win came in 2024 when Hyundai Motor ended its aluminum procurement deal with coal-linked Adaro Minerals in Indonesia, following a petition with 11,000+ signatures from 68 countries. The campaign also contributed to Melon committing to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
What is Kpop4Planet's No K-pop on a Dead Planet campaign?
No K-pop on a Dead Planet was a 2021 campaign that mailed 8,000 unused album copies back to entertainment companies. The campaign targeted the industry practice of releasing multiple album versions with collectible photocards, which encourages bulk buying and generates plastic waste. It led several companies to begin reporting environmental impacts.
What is Kpop4Planet's Plastic Album Sins campaign?
Plastic Album Sins was a September 2024 protest at HYBE headquarters in Seoul. The campaign opposed bulk-buying incentives that the group identified as the worst business practice in a fan survey. Kpop4Planet has proposed a green album option that would let buyers pay for more albums than they receive to reduce waste.
Has Kpop4Planet won any awards?
In 2026, co-founders Lee Dayeon and Nurul Sarifah were named to National Geographic's NG33 list in the Visionaries category, alongside Harrison Ford and Stella McCartney. Lee became the first Korean national selected for the NG33. Both were previously named to BBC's 100 Women list in 2023 and The Independent's Climate 100 in 2024.
