K-Pop Stars Including BTS, Seventeen, G-Dragon, and IU Donate Large Sum to Assist Recovery from Massive Forest Fires in South Korea

The severe forest fires that broke out in Sancheong-gun of Gyeongsangnam-do and Uiseong-gun of Gyeongsangbuk-do from March 21 to 22 have caused widespread disruption across the Korean Peninsula. The disasters, severe enough to prompt the South Korean government to declare a national disaster situation, resulted in at least 22 deaths and 18 injuries. Approximately 33,204 hectares of land were damaged, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced. A 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong City was completely destroyed, and there are concerns that the Manhyujeong Palgakjeong in Andong, known as a filming location for the drama *Mr. Sunshine*, may also be ruined, indicating serious damage to cultural heritage. Amid these challenges, South Korea’s entertainment industry responded swiftly. Jungkook of BTS donated 100 million won. He delivered the funds through the Korean Disaster Relief Association and stated, “I hope this small contribution can help those going through difficult and exhausting times.” Other BTS members also participated. RM, J-Hope, and SUGA each donated 100 million won through either the Hope Forest Korean Disaster Relief Association or the Red Cross of Korea. Their agency, Big Hit Music, said the donations would be used for emergency disaster relief, compensation for fire victims, and providing essential supplies to those affected. Seventeen donated 100 million won to the Hope Forest Korean Disaster Relief Association. The group issued a statement saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and offer comfort to those enduring these tough times.” G-Dragon of Bigbang donated 300 million won through his agency, Galaxy, and expressed, “I sincerely hope that help will continue to reach those who lost their homes due to this unexpected disaster.” IU donated 200 million won to the Hope Forest Korean Disaster Relief Association. He said, “I convey my deepest sympathy and gratitude to the victims and firefighters, and I hope the fire is extinguished as soon as possible.” The wave of donations from the K-pop industry continued. Nayeon, Dahyun, and Jisoo of Twice, Sl기, Wendy of Red Velvet, Eunhyuk of Super Junior, Key of SHINee, Jinyeong of GOT7, Jungwon of Enhypen, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, Arin of OH MY GIRL, Lee Hyori, Jiung of Zerobaseone, Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, and Taeyong of NCT donated amounts ranging from 100 million won to 150 million won each, with Jaemin contributing 100 million won, Haechan 50 million won, Dooyoung 100 million won, Jungwoo 50 million won, Johnny 50 million won, and Jeno 100 million won. Jennie of BLACKPINK donated 100 million won to the Hope Forest Korean Disaster Relief Association. The funds will be used to increase the supply of relief goods, operate temporary shelters, and provide emergency living expenses. Jisoo of the same group also donated 150 million won to the Red Cross of Korea. In addition to BLACKPINK’s contribution, JYP Entertainment donated 500 million won through World Vision, planning to support around 10,000 residents who suffered the most from the fires. Beyond the entertainment industry, actors also stepped forward. Byun Woo-seok, Lee Jong-suk, and Jang Geun-suk each donated 100 million won, Lee Dong-wook donated 50 million won, Park Hae-soo donated 30 million won, Kim Se-jeong and Kim Sung-chul each donated 20 million won, and No Yoon-seo donated 10 million won. In addition to them, various other well-known celebrities from different fields such as Ji Chang-wook, Kim Woo-bin, Shin Min-ah, Han Ji-min, Jung Jae-young, and Kim Ji-won also contributed to the recovery efforts. The donated funds will be allocated to various recovery projects, including helping fire victims regain housing, providing emergency disaster relief, covering costs related to firefighters, and operating temporary living facilities.