While the fires continue to devastate parts of South Korea, the best idols are taking a step forward with generous donations, once again demonstrating the powerful influence of the K-pop stars in times of crisis.
Stray Kids and Red Velvet’s Irene continue the donation rally
On April 1st, Randagi and Irene of Red Velvet have been revealed among the most recent to contribute to substantial amounts to help the victims of fires and rescuers.
According to Jyp Entertainment, Stray Kids donated a total of 800 million KRW (about 545,000 USD), slipping the quantity equally between the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association and World Vision Corea. The funds will be used to support the emergency supplies, the means of existence of the victims and the efforts of the firefighters.
The group expressed, “We are deeply empathetic with the pain of those who have lost their daily life in an instant and we want to express our gratitude to all those who work hard to help.”
Stray Kids has constantly supported a strong philanthropy record from their debut in 2014. Their past efforts include infantile sponsorship programs, aid for national meals, emergency support during the Tourcaca Sirian earthquake and sober global hunger. The members also made personal birthday donations of 100 million KRW every year last year.
In the meantime, Irene of Red Velvet has also joined the rescue effort by giving 100 million KRW through the Core Cassa of the Korea community. His contribution will directly assist the firefighters and the displays displaced.
Irene shared, “I hope this small gesture brings comfort to those who suffer from fires. I sincerely thank the firefighters who risk life in dangerous conditions.”
This is not Irene’s first act of compassion: previously he donated 100 million KRW in 2020 to help medical staff and vulnerable citizens in Daegu during the Covid-19 epidemic.
Idol wave of fire donations
Other idols are also responding to the call. Seulgi of Red Velvet donated 100 million KRW and Wendy contributed with 50 million KRW. Other idols, including seventeen, BTS Jungkook (1 billion KRW each), NCT, Doyoung and Jaehyun Mark (100 million krw each), Jungwoo and Johnny (50 million krw each), twice Chaeyoung (100 million krw), Exo’s Baekyun (200 million krw), Girls ‘Generation (100 million KRW), and Chaeyoung (100 million KRW), Exo’s Baekhyun (200 million KRW), Girls’ Generation (100 million KRW), and Chaeyoung (100 million KRW) of Exo (200 million Million Krw from the proceeds of the concert) also made donations.
According to the headquarters of central catastrophes and central security countermeasures, starting from April 1, the fires in 11 regions have burned over 48,000 hectares, causing 30 lives and injuring other 45. Public donations have increased by the last 70.5 billion KRW, while the communities gather together in support.
With idols like Stray Kids and Irene who guide the example, their influence goes far beyond music, offering hope and healing in times of crisis. And they are not just idols, many other public characters are also actively contributing to the rescue efforts.
You can click here to view the complete list of donors.
