K-Pop Stars and Actors Unite to Support Fire Victims in South Korea

In light of the recent devastating wildfires in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam, various figures from the entertainment industry, including actors, singers, and broadcasters, are stepping up to provide support and comfort to those affected. On March 27, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters reported that the simultaneous wildfires that broke out in the Gyeongsang region on March 21 resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, with nearly 29,911 residents evacuated from the hardest-hit areas of Uiseong and Andong.

The wildfire in Uiseong has continued to spread for six days, making it difficult to contain. In response, donations have been pouring in from various sectors of the entertainment industry through disaster relief NGOs such as the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association and the Korean Red Cross.

In the K-pop scene, numerous groups, agencies, and individual artists have made significant contributions. The girl group IVE collectively donated 200 million KRW, with each member contributing 100 million KRW to support wildfire victims and improve firefighter conditions. BTS (방탄소년단) members J-Hope (제이홉) and Suga (슈가) also made generous donations of 100 million KRW each, further inspiring others.

Other notable contributors include Lovelyz's Lee Mijoo (이미주), 2PM's Lee Junho (이준호), actress Suzy (수지), WINNER's Kim Jinwoo (김진우), GOT7's Park Jinyoung (박진영), TWICE's Jihyo (지효), NCT's Haechan (해찬), Red Velvet's Wendy (웬디) and Seulgi (슬기), ENHYPEN's Jungwon (정원), aespa's Karina (카리나), MONSTA X, Dean (딘딘), Jay Park (박재범), and former SECRET member Jeon Hyosung (전효성). Additionally, trot singers like Lee Chanwon (이찬원), Youngtak (영탁), Jang Minho (장민호), and Jeong Dongwon (정동원) have also contributed amounts ranging from tens of millions to 100 million KRW.

Actors have joined the cause as well, with stars like Jang Geunseok (장근석), Byun Woo-seok (변우석), Go Yoon-jung (고윤정), Ko Min-si (고민시), Lee Dong-wook (이동욱), Park Bo-young (박보영), Im Si-wan (임시완), Jeon Woo-hee (천우희), Kim Yoo-jung (김유정), Gong Yoo (공유), Choi Woo-shik (최우식), and Yoon Se-ah (윤세아) participating in the donations. Notable entertainers such as the beloved MC Yoo Jae-suk (유재석), broadcaster Kim Na-young (김나영), and Shin Jin-hwa (심진화) have also made contributions, showcasing their positive influence.

Among the most remarkable donations came from the members of SEVENTEEN, who made headlines with a staggering contribution of 1 billion KRW, the largest single donation from the entertainment industry. They expressed their hope that their support would provide some relief to those affected by the wildfires, extending their condolences to the victims and offering comfort to everyone enduring this challenging time. Online reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising their generosity and expressing their desire to contribute as well. Many hope for a swift resolution to the fires and a return to normalcy for the affected communities.