(image: UNICEF)
SEOUL, Jun. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — With BTS’ rise to international stardom, the members of the K-pop boyband are using their newfound global influence to contribute to society in a positive way.
The “Love Myself” campaign is one such effort, and has BTS campaigning for donations and good deeds by fans both domestically and abroad.
The campaign kicked off in November of last year when BTS and their label BigHit donated 500 million won. After just six months (as of May 31), the total amount donated by BTS and their fans stood at 1.15 billion won.
“Love Myself” is a campaign “pursuing love and a better place to live for all,” according to the group’s website. The proceeds of the campaign will be used to fight violence against children and youth in association with UNICEF.
Inspired by the campaign, BTS’ Thai fans belonging to fan clubs BTS Thailand and Candylover donated 20 liters of blood in time for the group’s fifth anniversary.
The head of UNICEF, executive director Henrietta Fore, uploaded a video to the organization’s official Twitter feed, thanking the seven-member band and fans for their efforts.
“Over $1 million dollars has been collected in our fight against violence,” said Fore. “The campaign is proof that young people all over the world can come together to bring about change.”
Korean singer Sean(L) and former professional basketball coach Park Seung-il(R) who is a Lou Gehrig’s disease patient. (image: Seungil Foundation)
Other Korean stars have joined campaigns that aim to bring awareness to social issues.
After Korean singer Sean proposed an ice bucket challenge to help construct a nursing home for patients suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, actors Daniel Henney, Jang Geun-suk and Park Bo-gum, and singers like IU and Kang Daniel participated in the campaign, inspiring fans of the stars to do the same.
Sean co-established the Seungil Foundation with former professional basketball coach Park Seung-il in 2011 to keep a promise he made with the athlete. Park is currently diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In an interview, Sean stated that although the ice bucket challenge originated in 2014 in the U.S., this time around, the challenge has started solely from South Korea.
“The ice bucket challenge has created a very positive effect thanks to the many stars who participated,” said the singer-turned social-entrepreneur.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
