On August 13, HYBE published its 2023 Sustainability Management Report, showcasing the company’s significant achievements and priorities under the vision “For Sustainable Entertainment.”

Marking the second year of its publication, the report highlights the company’s commitment to providing enjoyable entertainment while driving positive change in the global industry in three fundamental sustainability goals: “Think Forward for Fans’ Lifestyle,” “Create Possibilities with the Community,” and “Lead Industries by the Standard.”

The initiatives for each category are as follows:

“Think Forward for Fans’ Lifestyle”: Encouraging Progressive Thinking to Enrich Fans’ Lifestyle

Progressive initiatives to enrich fans' lifestyles include expanding the scope of live streaming of artists’ concerts, showcases, and festivals. The company has increased the use of eco-friendly materials for Weverse Albums to improve recycling rates and launched upcycling products made from waste banners from concert venues to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Additionally, with the mission to make every experience inclusive and enjoyable for all, Weverse has begun providing auto-translation in 15 languages including English, Spanish, and Japanese while HYBE IM ensured multilingual gaming on its popular titles.

“Create Possibilities with the Community”: Shaping the Future of the Entertainment Industry with the Community

HYBE integrated sustainability factors into partner evaluations based on fair trade principles, aiming to enhance sustainability management across the industry.

Joining forces with the company’s endeavor, HYBE’s artists and labels have also actively contributed to achieving these goals. Notably, BTS’ ongoing “LOVE MYSELF” campaign since 2017, partners with UNICEF to improve the mental health of children and youth worldwide.

Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN’s “Going Together” global campaign with UNESCO focuses on enhancing education and skills development in underserved communities. The band assumed their role as UNESCO's first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth last June, donating 1 million USD to fund youth-led initiatives to build and support positive youth communities around the world.

Additionally, the ECO Village Project, in partnership with the K-Green Foundation, actively addresses climate change by planting 100,000 mangrove trees annually. This ongoing initiative aims to enhance local biodiversity and support vulnerable communities worldwide.

“Lead Industries by the Standard”: Establishing Governance for the Entertainment Industry

HYBE has reinforced its commitment to governance and sustainability to adapt to the changing business landscape. Key initiatives include expanding GHG emissions calculations to encompass Scope 3 indirect emissions, implementing a CEO Succession Policy, distributing KRW 29.2 billion in cash dividends to shareholders as a part of HYBE’s shareholder-friendly return policy, and instituting a comprehensive AI Ethics Guideline.

Looking ahead, the newly established Sustainability Management Working Council that closely oversees and drives sustainability initiatives across all business areas, together with the existing Sustainability Management Committee, has outlined four key action items to prioritize in 2024: “Eco-friendly Products and Services,” “Advancing the Fan Experience,” “Information Security and Privacy,” and “Ethical Management and Compliance.”

For the Sustainability Management Report, HYBE adopted the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

“Moving forward, we will continue to support sustainable growth, tirelessly pushing the boundaries to see our visions come to life by incorporating our unique approach and influence,” said the HYBE Sustainability Management Committee.

The 2023 Sustainability Management Report in full details can be found on the HYBE official website.