Korean Celebrities Rally to Support Wildfire Victims with Generous Donations
As wildfires continue to ravage the Yeongnam region — including Sancheong and Uiseong — for the fifth consecutive day, Korean celebrities are stepping forward in a powerful wave of giving. From major donations to heartfelt statements, the entertainment industry has united to support wildfire victims and first responders with a spirit reminiscent of a real-life “Avengers” team. Major stars, including IU, Suzy, Haechan, Park Bo-young, have contributed significant donations to aid victims and firefighters.
CELEBRITIES DONATE TO HELP RELIEF EFFORTS FOR WILDFIRE DISASTER IN SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH KOREA
Updated as of APR 1
Donations & Contributions by Celebrities (Converted to USD):
- Jungkook (BTS): ₩1 billion → ~$750,000 USD
- SEVENTEEN: ₩1 billion → ~$750,000 USD
- G-Dragon: ₩300 million → ~$225,000 USD
- JYP Entertainment: ₩500 million → ~$375,000 USD
- SM Entertainment: ₩300 million → ~$225,000 USD
- Eunhyuk (Super Junior): ₩200 million → ~$150,000 USD
- IVE: ₩200 million → ~$150,000 USD
- IU: ₩200 million → ~$150,000 USD
- Jaemin (NCT): ₩150 million → ~$112,500 USD
- Jisoo (BLACKPINK): ₩150 million → ~$112,500 USD
- RIIZE: ₩150 million → ~$112,500 USD
₩100 Million Donors (~$75,000 USD):
- KQ Entertainment (ATEEZ, EDEN, Maddox, Xikers, Sohyang)
- Winter (aespa)
- Jaehyun (NCT)
- Taeyong (NCT)
- Jeno (NCT)
- Miyeon ((G)I-DLE)
- Eunhyuk (Super Junior) (additional donation)
- Jung Hae In
- Nayeon + Dahyun (TWICE)
- Ji Chang Wook
- Soyeon ((G)I-DLE)
- RM (BTS)
- Jennie (BLACKPINK)
- YoonA (SNSD)
- Cha Eun Woo (ASTRO)
- Doyoung (NCT)
- Karina (aespa)
- J-Hope (BTS)
- Suga (BTS)
- Taeyeon (SNSD)
- Byun Woo Seok
- Seulgi (Red Velvet)
- Lee Young Ji
- Jang Geun Suk
- Lee Hyo Ri
- Lee Jun Ho (2PM)
- Mark (NCT)
- Lee Chan Won
- Jang Min Ho
- Young Tak
- Suzy
- Monsta X
- Gong Yoo
- Choi Woo Sik
- Kim Jun Su (JYJ)
- Lee Jong Suk
- Baek Jong Won
₩80–70 Million Donors:
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- Kim Yoo Jung: ₩80 million → ~$60,000 USD
- Jay Park: ₩70 million → ~$52,500 USD
₩50 Million Donors (~$37,500 USD):
- Family of Choo Sung Hoon, Yano Shiho, Choo Sarang
- Crush
- Jisung (NCT)
- Jungwoo (NCT) (also listed again below)en.wikipedia.org+1Koreaboo+1
- Johnny (NCT)
- Soyou (SISTAR)
- Key (SHINee)
- Sunwoo (ENHYPEN)
- Kim Tae Woo (g.o.d)
- Lee Young Jae
- Son Tae Young
- Yoo Jae Suk
- Kim Woo Bin
- Shin Min Ah
- LE SSERAFIM
- Park Bo Young
- Kim Jong Kook
- Lyn
- Lim Ji Yeon
- Jihyo (TWICE)
- Lee Dong Wook
- PLAVE
- Park Jin Young (GOT7)
- Han Ji Min
- Hyeri (Girl’s Day)
- Go Yoon Jung
- Go Min Si
- Haechan (NCT)
- Kim Ji Won
- Kim So Yeon & Lee Sang Woo
- Wendy (Red Velvet)
- UEE
- Han Ga In
- Kim Go Eun
₩40 Million Donor (~$30,000 USD):
- Cheon Woo Hee
₩30 Million Donors (~$22,500 USD):
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- Jungwon (ENHYPEN)
- Koyote
- Jang Sung Kyu
- Im Si Wan
- Park Hae Soo
₩20 Million Donors (~$15,000 USD):
- Moon Ga Young
- Oh Nara
- Choi Hwa Jeong
- Lee Sang Soon
- Kim Sung Cheol
- Kim Se Jeong
- Loco
- Arin (Oh My Girl)
₩10 Million Donors (~$7,500 USD):
- JinJin (ASTRO)
- Dex
- Jannabi
- Noh Yoon Seo
- Hyosung (former SECRET)
- Kim Ji Woong (ZEROBASEONE)
- BE’O
- Big Naughty
- Yoo Byung Jae
- Kim Jin Woo (WINNER)
In-Kind Donation:
- Goo Hye Sun: 1 ton of rice
SEVENTEEN & Jungkook’s Outstanding Contribution
The Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association announced on March 27 that SEVENTEEN donated 1 billion KRW (approximately 700,000 USD) to support residents affected by wildfires in the regions of Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam.
The Secretary-General of Hope Bridge stated, “We are deeply grateful for SEVENTEEN’s generous contribution. The donated funds will be used swiftly and transparently to help residents living near the wildfire-affected areas return to their normal lives as soon as possible.”
Additionally, on March 28, the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced that BTS member Jungkook donated 1 billion won to help with wildfire damage, making him the individual with the highest donation amount (as of March 28). Among those, 500 million won will be used to provide emergency support and relief supplies for those who have lost their homes due to wildfires. The remaining 500 million won will be used to improve awareness and treatment of firefighters who are dedicated to disaster sites such as wildfires and fires.
Regarding his donation, Jungkook said, “I hope this will be of some help to everyone who is having a hard time and having a hard time. I hope that those who are having a hard time due to this wildfire and everyone who is working hard to put it out can quickly return to their peaceful daily lives.”
IU’s Unwavering Support
On March 26, Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association confirmed that singer-actress IU donated a total of 200 million KRW — 100 million KRW for wildfire victims and another 100 million KRW to support and improve public awareness and working conditions for firefighters. IU stated, “I hope this brings some help to those affected. I send my deepest condolences to the victims and sincerely wish there will be no more casualties. I’m deeply grateful to the firefighters risking their lives.”
Suzy’s Compassionate Contribution
Suzy also donated 100 million KRW through Hope Bridge, wishing for a swift end to the wildfires and a speedy recovery for those affected. Her agency shared, “Suzy felt the need to help upon learning of the rapidly spreading damage.” A regular contributor to disaster relief efforts, Suzy is a member of the Hope Bridge Honors Club, with cumulative donations of 600 million KRW.
Park Bo-young, Go Youn-jung, and Lee Hye-ri Extend Their Support
Park Bo-young donated 50 million KRW specifically to improve support and recognition for firefighters. Her agency noted, “She has always been grateful to those working on the frontlines during disasters and hopes they can work in better conditions.” Go Youn-jung and Lee Hye-ri also donated 50 million KRW each to assist victims, with Go’s agency emphasizing, “She wanted to provide even a small source of strength for those suffering.”
More Celebrities Join the Cause
NCT’s Haechan contributed 50 million KRW to Community Chest of Korea (Love Fruit). “I heard about the sudden wildfires and the pain they caused. I wanted to help in any way I could,” he said. Haechan, a member of the Honor Society for large donors, had previously given 100 million KRW to aid earthquake victims in Türkiye and Syria in 2023.
Previously reported donations included Lee Chan-won (100 million KRW), who was especially impacted as the wildfire struck near his hometown of Ulju, as well as actress Go Min-si (50 million KRW), actor Im Si-wan (30 million KRW), and entertainer Lee Seung-yoon (10 million KRW), and comedian Yoo Byung-jae and broadcaster Kim Na-young.
Singer Jang Min-ho donated 100 million KRW through the Korean Red Cross, while other stars such as WINNER’s Kim Jin-woo, and broadcaster So Yoo-jin and Kim Na-young have also contributed, amplifying the relief efforts. Kim Jin-woo, who has consistently donated during past disasters, shared, “I couldn’t just stand by. I hope my contribution helps those in need.” BTS’s Suga and j-hope have also donated 100 million won each to the cause.
It was also reported that many other celebrities, such as Baek Jong-won, Goo Hye-sun, Lee Hyori, Byun Woo-seok, IVE, Taeyeon, Lee Jun-ho, Kim Yoo-jung, Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, and various others, have made their respective donations, earning praise from netizens. K-pop agencies JYP and SM also donated 500 million won and 600 million won, respectively.
Meanwhile, according to the latest reports, the death toll from the Yeongnam wildfires has risen to 21 – 20 civilian casualties and one helicopter pilot who died while battling the flames. With over 27,000 people displaced, these heartfelt donations offer a glimmer of hope amid the destruction.
As wildfires continue to devastate the Yeongnam region including Sancheong and Uiseong for the fifth consecutive day, the Korean entertainment industry has united in a wave of compassionate giving.