The South Korean popular music group, BTS, has recently contributed to wildfire relief efforts in the nation through Jungkook’s monetary donation of a whopping sum of 1 billion KRW. Currently, the armed forces of the Republic of Korea have recruited this K-pop idol to serve in the ranks, but one of the largest donations he has made is on behalf of this cause.
BTS’ Jungkook Donations for Wildfire Relief in Korea
Jungkook, one of the members of the pop group BTS, donated 1 billion KRW ($680,000) on March 28, 2022, to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to support wildfire relief efforts for the regions of Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam, South Korea. This is reported to be the largest known donation to date from any public figure in light of the wildfires that flared up earlier in the week.
Out of the K-pop diva’s generous offering, 500 million won would be channeled into helping those who have been displaced or lost their homes due to the raging fires on many fronts across the country.
Meanwhile, the other 500 million KRW would be utilized in supporting awareness campaigns and improving the working conditions of firefighters tirelessly working at the fire-fronts. The funding is reported to support these front-line operatives in getting them prepared for their efforts and to recognize them accordingly as AllKpop.
In 2023, the Seven singer donated 1 billion to an impoverished family in the hospital to augment treatment for underprivileged children at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital as well as be integrated into the care centre initiatives of the hospital to provide access to vital healthcare to needy people.
Other BTS Member Donations
Earlier this week, other members of BTS made huge contributions to the wildfire relief effort. Each donated 100 million KRW (roughly $68,000) to the wildfire relief efforts from J-Hope, SUGA, and RM. J-Hope and RM contributed their amounts to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, while SUGA donated directly to the Korean Red Cross.
It has been reported by AllKpop that the donation made by Jungkook will be distributed in two: 500 million KRW will be assigned to an emergency relief fund to assist in recovering from losing their homes, and the other 500 million KRW will support firefighters battling the blaze.
“I hope my donation will be of help to the people who are going through tough times. I hope the victims and firefighters will return to their everyday lives soon,” said Jungkook in a press statement released by HYBE.
On the other hand, 100 million KRW has been donated individually by RM and J-Hope to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.
“I decided to make this donation, hoping it will be of some help in recovering from the damage caused by the wildfires. I thank the people who are doing their best to extinguish the fires and help the displaced victims, and I hope they can return to their normal lives as soon as possible,” quoted BTS’ leader, RM.
Earlier, Suga donated to the Korean Red Cross, in what would become his first public move since the scandal concerning DUI in 2024. The controversy has attracted a lot of backlash, and has left him with no option but to apologize publicly on national television and pay an exorbitant fine.
At the moment, and due to a past shoulder injury, Suga is serving in the public sector instead of active military duty. But even with that situation, he is demonstrating efforts to do something positive for people in need through his donation.
Other celebrities in Korea who have joined the ranks of those who help wildfire victims include G-Dragon, Cha Eun Woo, singer Kim Tae Woo, actor Park Han Byul, rapper DinDin, NCT’s Jaemin, and SHINee’s Key.
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