SM Entertainment (hereafter SME, CEO: Jang Cheol-hyuk, Tak Young-jun) is expanding the 'Wild Forest' within Seoul Forest to preserve biodiversity and continue ecosystem creation projects for a sustainable environment and society.
On the 29th, SME held a ceremony to sign an agreement for the expansion of the 'Wild Forest' at Seoul Forest, which was attended by approximately 10 officials, including CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk of SME, Director Lee Su-yeon of the Seoul City Garden City Department, and Director Kim In-sook of the Seoul City Eastern Park Recreation Center.
This agreement serves as a symbolic event signifying the completion of the Wild Forest and holds special meaning. SME plans to create the third phase of the Wild Forest, covering an area of 400 square meters, with the concept of 'The Forest of the Future,' adding 150 shrubs and over 800 blooming plants to the area. The third phase of the forest is intended to improve soil fertility without tillage, aided by numerous insects and plants, creating a self-fertilizing, recoverable, and sustainable garden.
Since 2023, SME has been continuously expanding the Wild Forest each year, and this third phase construction will establish a total ecological environment of 1,290 square meters (approximately 390 pyeong). Notably, the first phase of the Wild Forest has received recognition for exceeding basic environmental protection by preserving ecosystem diversity, winning the top prize at the '2023 Urban Green City Award' ceremony hosted by Seoul City.
Currently, the Wild Forest is home to over 120 species of trees and more than 5,100 blooming plants, serving as a space where "humans and small ecosystems" harmonize, attracting attention as a model for ecological preservation and a comfortable resting place for citizens.
CEO Jang Cheol-hyuk of SME noted, "The third phase of the Wild Forest is a symbolic project that represents the fruition of SME's environmental management practices, holding great significance for creating green spaces that protect the environment and engage with citizens. We will continue to carry out activities for the environment and society as a responsible corporation."
Director Lee Su-yeon of the Seoul City Garden City Department expressed gratitude for SME's continuous social contribution activities from the first phase to the third phase of the Wild Forest, stating that this agreement is expected to further establish the Wild Forest as an ecological space symbolizing Seoul Forest.
Meanwhile, SME conducted the 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025' concert in Seoul last January to celebrate its 30th anniversary, implementing the 'ESG Carbon Footprint Measurement' campaign. An audience survey using a carbon calculator was conducted to measure daily carbon emissions, marking the first step toward carbon reduction. The organization is also working in conjunction with a nonprofit organization to monitor performance environments and develop guides for audience members with disabilities or discomforts to improve their concert experience.
[OSEN]