Beyond showcasing their talents, top South Korean artists have united to aid their fellow citizens in the aftermath of the deadliest wildfires in the country’s history.
Several prominent Hallyu stars, including K-pop idols and K-drama actors, have made substantial donations to support recovery efforts and assist victims affected by the devastating fires that began on 21 March.
The calamity has resulted in at least 28 fatalities, with thousands of homes, factories, and other structures reduced to ashes. Officials report that approximately 30,000 people have been displaced, with around 8,000 currently seeking refuge in temporary shelters.
Among the significant losses is a 1,300-year-old temple in Uiseong City, while the Manhyujeong Pavilion in Andong — a well-known filming location for the K-drama Mr. Sunshine — may have also been destroyed, according to YNA.co.kr.
According to recent Korean media reports, BTS members Jungkook, RM, J-Hope, and Suga contributed to the cause, with Jungkook alone donating 1 billion KRW, while the other members each donated 100 million KRW.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie also extended her support, donating 100 million KRW to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, which will use the funds for relief supplies, temporary shelters, and emergency aid. Meanwhile, Jisoo contributed 150 million KRW to the Korean Red Cross.
NCT members Jaemin (150 million KRW), Taeyong, Doyoung, Jaehyun, Mark, and Jeno (100 million KRW each) also stepped up, alongside Jungwoo, Johnny, Haechan, and Jisung (50 million KRW each).
Further donations from K-pop artists include:
SEVENTEEN (1 billion KRW)
GOT7’s Jinyoung (50 million KRW)
Red Velvet’s Seulgi (100 million KRW)
ZEROBASEONE’s Jiwoong (10 million KRW)
Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon (100 million KRW)
TWICE’s Jihyo (50 million KRW)
ATEEZ (100 million KRW)
aespa’s Karina and Winter (100 million KRW each)
G-Dragon (300 million KRW)
Super Junior’s Eunhyuk (100 million KRW)
SHINee’s Key (50 million KRW)
TWICE’s Nayeon (50 million KRW) and Dahyun (50 million KRW)
ITZY’s Yeji (50 million KRW)
ENHYPEN’s Sunwoo (3,000 KRW)
IVE (200 million KRW + 100 million KRW each)
RIIZE (150 million KRW)
OH MY GIRL’s Arin (20 million KRW)
WINNER’s Jinwoo (10 million KRW)
Lovelyz’s Mijoo (10 million KRW)
LE SSERAFIM (50 million KRW)
PLAVE (50 million KRW)
The wave of generosity extended beyond the K-pop industry, with some of the biggest names in K-drama stepping forward with donations:
Ji Chang Wook (100 million KRW)
Byeon Woo Seok (100 million KRW)
IU (200 million KRW)
Kim Woo Bin (50 million KRW)
Shin Min Ah (50 million KRW)
Lee Dong Wook
Go Min Si (50 million KRW)
Han Ji Min (Love Scout) (50 million KRW)
Kim Soo Hyun (50 million KRW)
Suzy (100 million KRW)
Jung Hae In (100 million KRW)
Lee Jong Suk (100 million KRW)
Im Yoon Ah (100 million KRW)
Kim Ji Won (50 million KRW)
Comedian Lee Jae Suk (50 million KRW)
JYP Entertainment also contributed a massive 500 million KRW to aid relief efforts.
As South Korea grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the generosity of these artists underscores the unity and compassion within the entertainment industry. Their contributions will provide much-needed support to those affected, helping them rebuild their lives in the wake of this unprecedented catastrophe.