K-pop stars and Korean celebrities are coming forward to support those affected by the devastating forest fires in South Korea. Suga, j-hope, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, Mark, Haechan, PLAVE, Jihyo PLAVE, Seulgi, IVE, Lee Dong Wook, Jiwoong, Kim Ji Won, and many more have generously donated to relief efforts.
A massive wildfire broke out in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea on March 21. Strong winds and dry weather conditions caused the fire to spread rapidly to neighboring regions, including Gyeongsangbuk-do and Ulsan.
As of March 26, the wildfire had burned 17,752 hectares of land across six regions, displaced 2,869 people, and damaged 317 buildings. The situation continues to worsen, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Here are the K-pop acts and celebrities that have contributed to relief efforts so far
BTS’ Suga and j-hope
BTS members Suga and j-hope have donated 100 million won each to support recovery efforts. j-hope’s donated to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to aid disaster relief, community recovery, and supporting vulnerable groups
This is j-hope’s third major donation, following his support for flood relief in 2023 and families of plane crash victims last year.
Suga’s donation was made through the Korean Red Cross. The amount donated by the BTS rapper will provide essential supplies, such as food and daily necessities, to residents affected by the wildfires. In 2022, Suga made a generous donation of 100 million won to help those impacted by wildfires in Uljin, Gyeongbuk, and Samcheok, Gangwon.
SEVENTEEN
SEVENTEEN has made a generous donation of 1 billion won to support victims of the recent wildfires in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam. The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced that the group’s donation will aid in relief efforts for residents affected by the wildfires.
The group has a history of giving back to the community. They previously donated to support the underprivileged and provided aid during domestic and international disasters.
SEVENTEEN stated, “We hope that our donation can be of some help to those who have been affected by the wildfires. We offer our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, and we send our comfort to all those who are going through difficult times.”
LE SSERAFIM
K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM has donated 50 million won (approximately USD 34,000) to support those affected by the recent wildfires in South Korea. The donation was made through the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to aid in the recovery efforts in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan regions.
LE SSERAFIM’s agency SOURCE MUSIC stated, “After hearing about the wildfire damage, Le Sserafim decided to donate hoping to provide even a little bit of help to those affected. We sincerely hope that the wildfire is extinguished quickly and those who have been affected can safely return to their daily lives.”
IVE
Another 4th-gen girl group IVE also donated generously to support forest fire victims. According to Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association, the group donated 200 million won (around USD 136K) to support those affected by the wildfires and to improve the treatment and awareness of firefighters.
IVE stated, “We wanted to express our gratitude to the firefighters working hard to put out the fires, and we also wanted to help those who are struggling due to the sudden wildfires, even if it’s just a little.” They added, “We hope that our donation can provide strength to many people as they return to their daily lives.”
Hope Bridge is providing urgent assistance to wildfire-affected areas. This includes delivering emergency relief supplies, operating mobile laundry facilities, and offering mental health support through specialized buses.
Byeon Woo Seok
Byeon Woo Seok has made a significant donation of 100 million won through Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. The funds will be used to provide emergency assistance and essential supplies to residents in the fire-stricken regions.
The “Lovely Runner” actor Byeon Woo Seok said, “I hope that my donation can be of some help to those who are going through difficult times due to the wildfire damage.”
Mark From NCT
After Haechan, Mark of NCT has donated 100 million won to support recovery efforts following the devastating wildfires in South Korea. The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association revealed that his donation will aid in rebuilding damaged areas in Gyeongbuk, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan.
Notably, Mark is a longstanding member of the Hope Bridge Honors Club, who has generously donated several times without making a public announcement.
IU
IU has made a generous donation of 200 million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.
Specifically, 100 million KRW will be allocated to enhance the welfare of firefighters who have been working tirelessly to combat the wildfires. Another 100 million KRW will be used to raise public awareness about wildfire prevention and support.
IU shared, “May this be of little help to those affected, and my deepest condolences to the victims. I sincerely hope that the extinguishing of the wildfire can happen as soon as possible without further casualties. Heartfelt thanks to the devoted firefighters who are working on putting out the massive blazes.”
Seulgi From Red Velvet
The Korean National Red Cross announced that Seulgi from Red Velvet has donated 100 million won to support victims of the recent wildfires.
Seulgi expressed, “I feel deeply saddened by the situation of many disaster victims whose daily lives and livelihoods are threatened by the unexpected large wildfire.” She added, “I decided to donate, hoping that even a small amount of my effort can be helpful.”
Jihyo from TWICE
TWICE leader Jihyo has shown her support for wildfire relief efforts with a generous donation. She contributed 50 million won to the Community Chest of Korea, which will go towards recovery efforts in the Yeongnam region affected by the recent wildfires, helping those who have lost their homes.
Previously, Jihyo with TWICE members donated 200 million won to help earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria in 2023. Now, she has inspired many with her latest donation to help wildfire victims in the Yeongnam region.
JYP Entertainment
JYP Entertainment, home to Stray Kids, TWICE, ITZY, NEXZ, and KickFlip, donated 500 million won to support victims. The label has donated 500 million won to World Vision to help those affected by the wildfires in Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk. The donation will provide emergency supplies, living expenses, and psychological support to approximately 10,000 people.
Taeyeon from Girls’ Generation
Girls’ Generation member and solo artist Taeyeon opened her heart to those affected by the wildfires raging across South Korea. She has donated 100 million won to support recovery efforts in regions like Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, Ulsan, Jeonbuk, and Gangwon.
This is not her first time making a donation to support those in need. She is a member of the Korean Red Cross’s Honors Club thanks to her philanthropic efforts.
Lee Young Ji
Lee Young Ji has made a generous donation of 100 million won to support relief efforts. This is not her first time giving back. She has consistently supported various good causes, including helping vulnerable women and undernourished children. Additionally, Lee Young Ji has donated her prize money from appearing on the popular TV show “Show Me the Money.”
Lee Dong Wook
Kdrama actor Lee Dong Wook has donated 50 million won to support victims, as announced by the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. The “Goblin” actor previously donated 50 million won to respond to the 2022 East Coast forest fires. With this latest donation, Lee Dong Wook has been inducted into the prestigious ‘Hope Bridge Honors Club’.
Kim Ji Won
The “Queen of Tears” actor Kim Ji Won is also included in the list of donors. The Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced that Kim Ji Won contributed 50 million won to aid in the recovery efforts for the forest fires in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam regions.
She expressed, “I hope this will help even a little bit with the wildfire recovery efforts,” and added, “I sincerely hope that the wildfire is extinguished quickly and that the affected areas can be restored quickly and that the displaced residents can return to their daily lives.”
Jiwoong of ZEROBASEONE
K-pop idol Kim Jiwoong of ZEROBASEONE has made a donation of 10 million won to support the victims of the devastating wildfires.
According to his agency, he was deeply saddened by the news of the large-scale wildfire damage, especially since it hit close to his birthplace, Pohang. Jiwoong donated with the hope of alleviating the suffering of those who lost their homes and livelihoods.
Lee Jong Suk
Lee Jong Suk has donated 100 million won to support residents through the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. The contribution will be used to provide emergency aid and relief supplies to those in need.
This is not Lee Jong-suk’s first time lending a helping hand. In 2022, he donated 200 million won to support neighbors affected by the East Coast wildfires. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also donated 100 million won worth of protective clothing to the Korean Medical Association.
He has provided a total of 1.1 billion won to support young people, children from crisis families, and other needy individuals through Good Neighbors.
PLAVE
Virtual idol group PLAVE has donated 50 million won to Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association to help with wildfire damage.
Regarding their donation, PLAVE shared, “We decided to make a donation in the hopes that it will provide some comfort to all those who suffered damage from this wildfire. We also hope this will be helpful to firefighters who are working hard to suppress the disaster and we hope that those who are having a hard time due to the sudden disaster will be able to return to their daily lives as soon as possible.”
Kim Sejeong
Actress Kim Sejeong has made a generous donation of 20 million won to support wildfire relief efforts through Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association.
The “Business Proposal” actress said, “I hope that my donation can provide some strength to those who are struggling due to the wildfire damage and that they can return to their safe daily lives as soon as possible.”
Kim Sejeong also expressed gratitude to firefighters and related officials who are working tirelessly to put out fires.
Lastly, many actors, broadcasters, and K-pop stars are coming forward to lend a helping hand. Kim Woo Bin (50 million KRW), Shin Min Ah (50 million KRW), Lim Ji Yeon (50 million KRW), Yui (50 million KRW), and more have donated to support relief efforts.