First Low-Carbon K-Pop Concert Held

“The Sustainable Wave,” which took place last weekend at the Incheon Munhak Sports Complex, was the first large-scale K-Pop concert in history to operate on a low-carbon basis. GOD headlined the event. While the cheering from the audience and the energy on stage were similar to those of traditional large K-Pop festivals, the production method of this concert was distinct.

Introduction of Low-Carbon Performance Technologies To reduce reliance on traditionally used diesel generators behind the stage, large capacity batteries and mobile energy storage systems (ESS) were installed. Additionally, artists used reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones. The members of GOD even caused laughter by struggling to open their bottle caps on stage.

Audience-Involved Carbon Emission Measurement An unusual scene emerged in the audience seating area. When a QR code appeared on the main screen, attendees scanned it to access a “Find My Carbon Footprint” page. By entering their starting point and mode of transportation and answering various questions, they could calculate their personal carbon emissions. The measurement primarily relied on the audience’s mode of travel and electricity consumption.

Release of Interim Results Compared to regular K-Pop or festival concerts, carbon emissions were reduced by approximately 20%. However, this does not mean that the total carbon emissions for the entire event decreased by 20%; the final figure is determined after comprehensively accounting for electricity usage and the movement of staff and attendees after the concert ended. The highest carbon emission level recorded for a single concert by a major entertainment company was 3,291 tons, equivalent to the emissions from 715 cars driven in a year.

Han Mun-gyu, CEO of Sound Alliance and the overall coordinator of this event, said, “I felt it was necessary to apply this approach even in the concert industry, so I tried it carefully.” He explained that the event’s subtitle, “Start Wave,” implies progress step by step. He added, “While it would be somewhat premature to claim that everything has been offset, we are making every effort possible to achieve carbon neutrality.”

The success of this event is regarded as a new attempt at addressing environmental responsibility alongside the global expansion of K-Pop. Some analyses suggest that K-Pop’s worldwide spread was made possible because elements necessary for it had already developed since the 1990s in line with the digital era.