As part of his long-standing tree-planting activities, Lee Soo-man, the key producer and visionary leader of A2O who has led the globalization of K-POP, successfully concluded an urban greening campaign pushed forward in collaboration with the Korea Town Youth and Community Center (KYCC) in environmentally vulnerable areas of Los Angeles, achieving a total of over $1.25 million (approximately 17 billion won), KYCC announced on the 27th.
The campaign was officially launched in September 2024, starting with a personal donation of $500,000 from Producer Lee Soo-man, and KYCC led the way, rallying various organizations and grassroots supporters to secure over $755,000 in additional donations.
KYCC noted, "This campaign will be recorded as a practical case of commitment to climate equity and sustainability in the community, beyond simple planting activities," adding that it serves as a precedent showing what is possible when corporations, cultural figures, and local communities collaborate around ESG values.
Since the start of the campaign, more than 1,000 climate-resilient trees have been planted throughout Los Angeles, with over 500 volunteers, including youth and local residents, participating directly in the tree-planting activities. In particular, the project was focused on areas within the city that are environmentally vulnerable, such as South Los Angeles, Pico Union, and Korea Town.
Producer Lee Soo-man said, "Planting trees is leaving a breathing legacy for future generations," and emphasized, "Just as artists create beauty, I think preserving and expanding it is also a responsibility of our times." He also added, "ESG is not just a task for corporations; it is a social role required of creators."
Meanwhile, A2O Entertainment's global girl group A2O MAY and Girls' Generation's Sunny directly participated in the tree-planting event in Korea Town. A2O MAY is a five-member group composed entirely of Chinese members, which entered the Billboard Top 40 with their debut song "Under My Skin" and proved their global popularity by achieving the top spot on the QQ Music chart in China with their follow-up song.
KYCC Secretary General Song Jeong-ho emphasized, "Thanks to Producer Lee Soo-man's vision and heartfelt support, thousands of LA citizens have been provided with the foundation to live in a greener and healthier urban environment," adding, "This is an example of what social practice of ESG looks like."
[Photo] Provided by A2O Entertainment
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