K-pop fandoms took center stage in global climate action discussions during a groundbreaking panel at the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil, partnering with the Entertainment & Culture Pavilion and Climate Live, hosted the "K-pop Fans for Climate Action" panel in the prestigious Blue Zone on November 18.
The panel was developed under the principles of the newly established Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action, which is currently co-chaired by the Ministries of Culture of Brazil and the United Arab Emirates in partnership with UNESCO. The session examined how cultural movements, particularly K-pop fandoms, can serve as strategic actors in advancing the climate agenda within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The discussion opened with remarks from two key government officials: Vinicius Gurtler, General Coordinator for International Affairs at Brazil's Ministry of Culture, and Sung-hwan Kim, South Korea's Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment. These opening statements set the tone for exploring the intersection between popular culture and environmental activism.
The panel brought together a diverse group of experts and activists to explore this unique intersection. Participants included Cheul Hong Kim, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil; Mariana Faciroli from Army Help The Planet; Thalia Silva, a Youth Climate Champion at COP30; Dayeon Lee from Kpop4Planet; and Gyu Tag Lee from George Mason University. The discussion was moderated by Dominique Palmer of Climate Live.
A central theme throughout the panel was the remarkable social influence that K-pop fandoms have demonstrated in recent years. These communities have consistently mobilized around major social and political causes, proving their capacity for organized action beyond entertainment. In 2020, K-pop fans made headlines by raising nearly one million dollars for the Black Lives Matter movement, showcasing their ability to translate cultural passion into meaningful social impact.
The panelists also highlighted K-pop fans' engagement in democratic movements within South Korea itself. These communities have participated in democratic demonstrations, including innovative lightstick protests that combine their cultural symbols with civic engagement. This activism has reinforced their status as a global force in civic participation and social justice movements.
Throughout the discussion, panelists provided concrete examples of how K-pop fans have used their cultural practices to amplify urgent messages about the climate crisis. They explored various strategies these communities have employed to raise awareness and drive action on environmental issues. The conversation also focused on how this existing momentum could be more effectively harnessed in future COP conferences and broader environmental governance initiatives.
Reflecting on the significance of the panel, Director Cheul Hong Kim emphasized the transformative potential of cultural engagement in climate action. "The voluntary engagement of K-pop fandoms shows how culture can become a powerful driver in tackling the climate crisis," Kim stated. "Through this initiative, we hope to demonstrate that Korea, as a cultural powerhouse, can also make meaningful contributions to global climate efforts."
The Korean Cultural Center in Brazil used this platform to reaffirm its commitment to promoting initiatives that bridge culture and sustainability. This event represents part of a broader strategy to leverage South Korea's cultural influence, particularly through the global K-pop phenomenon, to address pressing environmental challenges and engage younger generations in climate action worldwide.
