Critics say the K-pop industry creates excessive plastic waste by producing CDs fans rarely use, as most prefer streaming music. Fans mainly buy CDs for collectible photos of band members, often purchasing multiple copies to get their favorite or for perks like meet-and-greet lotteries. This marketing tactic has driven a surge in album sales but also a 14-fold increase in plastic usage since 2017. Activist group Kpop4planet is raising awareness of this issue ahead of UN plastic waste treaty talks in South Korea. While some agencies are adopting eco-friendly practices, critics label them as inadequate.
Source : CGTN