Reuters on Feb. 3 said K-pop fans around the world are being inspired by K-pop acts who express interest in social issues to join the global fight against climate change. (Screen capture from website of Thomson Reuters Foundation)

By Sarah Oqelee and Lee Jihae

Video = BLACKPINK's official YouTube channel

K-pop fans worldwide are emerging as the latest force in the global fight against the climate crisis, Reuters said on Feb. 3.

In the article titled "K-pop for the planet: Fans of South Korean stars take up climate activism," the U.K.-based wire service said, "Young and tech-savvy, K-pop lovers have used their social media power to take up political causes."

Reuters introduced K-pop fans around the world striving to respond to climate issues.

Fans of the boy band BTS are holding a campaign to plant tens of thousands of trees in countries such as Korea and the Philippines. They also raised last year funds for flood victims in the Indian state of Assam.

Amid a wave of natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods entering this year in Indonesia, fans there of K-pop acts such as BTS, BLACKPINK and Red Velvet and those of Korean dramas raised a reported USD 100,000 in donations, Reuters said.

"The diverse backgrounds of K-pop followers -- from North America to Asia -- are seen as key to engaging fans in deeper discussions on a range of contemporary issues," Reuters said, adding that K-pop acts showing concern for social issues are inspiring their fans to follow suit.

BLACKPINK was mentioned as a leading example.

On Dec. 9 last year, the girl group released on its official YouTube channel the clip "Calling all Blinks (BLACKPINK fans): Climate action in your area!" This video sought to promote the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change slated for November this year and to encourage responding to the climate crisis.