BAKU, Azerbaijan — BTS is a well-known K-pop band consisting of seven individuals, namely Jin, Suga, J Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook. Hailing from South Korea, they debuted in 2013. Since then, they have achieved popularity worldwide. This Korean group has a track record of engaging in philanthropic activities and making generous donations. Here are 5 of BTS’s philanthropy triumphs:
J-Hope’s Kindhearted Giving
As reported by Soompi, BTS’s philanthropy triumphs were evident when BTS member Jung Ho-seok, also known by his stage name J-Hope, who is a rapper, composer, music producer and dancer from South Korea, contributed by donating 100 million won (approximately $77,000) to ChildFund Korea, an organization focused on child development.On May 4, 2021, ChildFund Korea announced that J-Hope’s donation in honor of Children’s Day (May 5 in Korea) aimed to support children in Tanzania who are exposed to violence. The funds were meant for the newly established One Stop Center, a support system designed to prevent violence against children in Tanzania. This center, initiated by ChildFund Korea, provides services such as treatment, legal assistance, counseling, evidence collection support and report filing.
United Against Injustice
In June 2020, BTS and their management company Big Hit Entertainment have generously contributed an amount of $1 million to support the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States.
“We stand against racial discrimination,” said the boy band in a tweet. “We condemn violence. You, I, and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.” They accompanied their tweet with the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter.
BTS shared their message during a time when the Black Lives Matter movement was gaining momentum in the United States, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer.
As reported by The Korea Times, following the announcement of BTS’ donation, the fan-driven charity fundraising organization One In An ARMY revealed that they also managed to raise $1 million in donations for the Black Lives Matter movement, matching the contribution made by the group’s members earlier.
Jungkook’s Compassionate Act
BTS’s philanthropy continued in 2023. Jeon Jungkook, a songwriter, singer and a member of BTS, generously contributed 1 billion won (approximately $765,000) to the Seoul National University Childrens Hospital. Jungkook specifically requested that the funds be used for aiding child patients from backgrounds. Expressing his desire for their well-being, he stated, “I sincerely hope that this contribution will assist in bringing smiles and good health to these children.”
Jungkook’s generous contribution was earmarked to support the expenses associated with treatments for children from low-income families while also assisting in developing a care center.
BTS’s Global Influence
According to UNICEF, since 2017, BTS has demonstrated their philanthropy through the LOVE MYSELF initiative, which has garnered 5 million tweets and over 50 million engagements, including likes, retweets, replies and comments. The Korean band partnered with UNICEF in the fall of 2017 to combat violence, abuse and bullying while promoting self-esteem and well-being among children and young people worldwide. During this time frame, BTS raised $3.6 million for UNICEF’s efforts to end violence.
BTS also had the opportunity to address heads of state and world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City. They released a music video supporting UNICEF’s campaign to spread love and kindness. At their concert venues worldwide, dedicated booths were set up to provide information on ways individuals can protect themselves and others from violence and bullying.
In 2021, BTS and BIGHIT MUSIC renewed their commitment to the LOVE MYSELF campaign by pledging over$1 million to UNICEF. They also committed some of the proceeds from LOVE MYSELF merchandise sales and their LOVE YOURSELF album sales.
Suga’s Caring Gesture
In 2023, BTS member Min Yoon-gi — rapper, composer and music producer better known by his stage name Suga — marked his birthday by contributing to earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria.
On March 9, Suga’s birthday, 2023, the non-governmental organization Save the Children announced that he donated 100 million won ( approximately $76,000) for emergency relief in Turkey and Syria. These regions had experienced damage from a record-breaking earthquake. Expressing his concern, Suga stated, “The impact of this earthquake has caused suffering to children and families. My heartfelt condolences go out to the survivors and victims. I hope that this donation can provide some assistance to the affected children, offering them relief goods such as winter blankets, mattresses, school supplies and other essential items.”
Save the Children highlighted that it will use Suga’s contribution effectively to meet these needs. Suga has consistently made donations on his birthday throughout his career. He has supported causes such as aiding wildfire victims, assisting cancer patients, contributing towards COVID-19 prevention efforts and more.
– Aysu Usubova
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