K-Pop Industry Donates Millions of Hong Kong Dollars for Emergency Relief Following Hong Kong Fire Tragedy

As over 94 people died and more than 200 remained missing due to the massive fire that broke out in the Tai Po area of Hong Kong, K-pop artists and agencies rushed to provide donations. The fire started around 2:52 p.m. on November 26 at the 32-story apartment complex “Wang Fuk Court” in Tai Po, northern Hong Kong, becoming one of the worst residential fire incidents in the city’s history. Built in the 1980s, the complex was undergoing extensive renovation at the time, and flammable building materials such as bamboo and styrofoam are believed to have accelerated the spread of flames. Major agencies took immediate action for relief. CJ ENM was the first to offer support by donating 20 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $2.6 million). SM Entertainment contributed 1 million Hong Kong dollars to the Hong Kong Red Cross, while YG Entertainment also donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars. Six labels under HYBE MUSIC GROUP APAC gave about 2.66 million Hong Kong dollars (around $340,000) to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. JYP Entertainment donated 2 million Hong Kong dollars to World Vision Hong Kong, and THEBLACKLABEL provided 500,000 Hong Kong dollars. Donations from just these four major agencies totaled 855,000 dollars. Individual artists also actively participated. Jackson of South Korean group GOT7, through his brand “TEAM WANG design,” delivered 1 million Hong Kong dollars to local hospitals. SUPER JUNIOR donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars on behalf of the group, expressing condolences while saying, “We remember the warmth and kindness of this city.” STRAY KIDS donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $129,000) to World Vision Hong Kong, stating, “Everyone was deeply saddened upon hearing the tragic news from Hong Kong. Our hearts are always with Hong Kong.” aespa contributed 500,000 Hong Kong dollars to the Hong Kong Red Cross, saying, “We express our deep concern over this heartbreaking news.” RIIZE donated 250,000 Hong Kong dollars, and WAYV also contributed 250,000 Hong Kong dollars. i-dle donated 1 million yuan (approximately 1.1 million Hong Kong dollars) through the Fosun Foundation, with member Wooji posting a message of mourning on social media. Zhang Hao, the Chinese member of ZEROBASEONE, also provided a donation for emergency rescue efforts. PLAVE donated 250,000 Hong Kong dollars (about 47 million won) to the Hong Kong Red Cross, saying, “I am saddened by the fact that so many people are suffering greatly, and I am very worried about Hong Kong fans who have always supported us with their warmth.” Emerging groups such as BOYNEXTDOOR and TWS also joined in the donations. According to fire authorities, over 1,250 firefighters were deployed to control the fire, and one firefighter lost his life during the rescue operation. The Hong Kong police have launched a criminal investigation, and three people have been arrested so far. This swift response from the K-pop industry came as the 2025 MAMA AWARDS was set to be held in Hong Kong. CJ ENM stated that it will proceed with the ceremony as planned but will ensure it becomes an event that conveys comfort and hope rather than just flashy performances.