On March 28th, the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced, “BTS member Jungkook donated 1 billion KRW (approx. 682,000 USD) to support victims of the wildfire damage in the Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam regions.“
Of the 1 billion KRW donated by Jungkook, 500 million KRW (approx 341,000 USD) will be used for emergency aid and providing relief supplies for those who lost their homes due to the wildfires. The remaining 500 million KRW will be allocated to improving the recognition and treatment of firefighters who have been dedicating themselves to disaster sites like the wildfires.
Jungkook said, “I hope this small help can be of some assistance to everyone who is going through tough times,” and added, “I hope that all those suffering from this wildfire and the firefighters working hard to control the fire can quickly return to peaceful daily lives.”
This is not the first time Jungkook has donated such a large amount. Previously, in April 2023, Jungkook donated 1 billion KRW to the Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. The donation was used for treatment costs for children from low-income families and for the integrated care center project.
At the time, Jungkook expressed, “I hope this can help children who are going through pain. I wish for the children to be able to laugh healthily,” and also shared the reason for his donation in an interview with Weverse Magazine, “It felt good to do it. Really. My heart went out to the children, so I thought it would be good if the hospital could be supported or if facilities could be built. But after doing it, I felt so good.“
While the act of donating itself holds more meaning than the amount, Jungkook has consistently practiced altruism at a remarkable scale. His positive influence has impressed not only his fans but also the general public.
Below are some reactions from netizens:
As expected, Jungkook is on another level
To donate 1 billion alone is insane Jungkook donated 1 billion to the children’s hospital before enlisting, and now another 1 billion.
2 billion in two years!
Even while serving in the military, he’s doing such good deeds…
GOAT This is on the level of a corporation
World-class generosity, Looks, dancing, singing, personality – he’s the best
Some even jokingly remarked, “Hyung, the military salary isn’t that much, but that’s amazing,” and “To donate 1 billion with a soldier’s pay… impressive.” Apart from Jungkook, other members of BTS have also supported wildfire victims with generous donations, including RM, j-hope, and Suga (100 million won each).
Meanwhile, Jungkook enlisted in the Army as an active-duty soldier on December 12, 2023, and is currently serving as a Sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division. He is set to be discharged on June 11, 2025.