SUGA’s fan-driven ‘SUGA Forest’ wins Seoul environmental award

SUGA’s ‘SUGA Forest’ wins Seoul Environmental Award for sustainability efforts.

The ‘SUGA Forest’, a fan-driven environmental initiative created in honor of BTS SUGA’s birthday, has been recognized as one of ‘2024 People Who Made Seoul Beautiful’, receiving the ‘Environmental Stepping Stone Award’ from the Seoul Environmental Federation.

This prestigious award is given to individuals and organizations that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development in Seoul. The SUGA Forest was selected for its continuous commitment to sustainability, serving as an exemplary model of eco-conscious fan-driven projects. Notably, the award plaque itself was made from recycled plastic, adding to its significance.

The SUGA Forest was established in March 2024 by SUGA’s fans as a way to celebrate his birthday while promoting climate action and biodiversity. Unlike traditional commemorative spaces, this initiative goes beyond symbolism, actively contributing to environmental conservation. The forest also serves as a place of healing and reflection for visitors, aligning with SUGA’s message of comfort and sincerity through music.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy is that it is the first-ever celebrity forest to be developed in collaboration with the Seoul Environmental Federation and the Korea National Park Service’s Bukhansan Ecological Exploration Center. This partnership elevates it from a simple tree-planting effort to a sustainable environmental initiative, earning praise from environmental experts for its tangible contributions to climate resilience and ecological preservation.

A representative from SUGA’s fan support group shared,

“SUGA Forest is not just a commemorative space, but a project that embodies the values of environmental protection and sustainability. Just as SUGA conveys authenticity and comfort through his music, we hope that SUGA Forest continues to inspire and have a positive impact. We will keep working towards a greener future.”

The recognition of SUGA Forest highlights how fan communities can drive meaningful environmental action, moving beyond traditional fandom activities into the realm of social responsibility. With BTS fans known for their extensive charitable efforts, this initiative reinforces K-pop’s growing influence in global sustainability movements.

As fan-led environmental projects continue to emerge worldwide, the SUGA Forest’s Environmental Stepping Stone Award sets a precedent for how fandom culture can evolve into a force for positive environmental change.

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