Korea’s top celebrities are spreading warmth with generous acts of philanthropy as 2025 comes to a close.
Stars including power couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, actor Lee Jong Suk, Ahn Hyo Seop and BLACKPINK’s Jennie have all stepped up to support those in need, ending the year on a heartwarming note.
The couple’s agency, VAST Entertainment, announced on December 30th that Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin jointly donated 200 million won ($154,000). The funds will go toward covering treatment costs for children and adolescents at Samsung Medical Center, as well as supporting low-income families facing financial hardship.
“We hope this can offer even a small measure of comfort and assistance to the patients undergoing treatment and their families,” the couple shared. This follows their consistent history of giving. Earlier in 2023, they donated 150 million won ($115,000) to the Baby Box program for abandoned infants.
Lee Jong Suk wrapped up his year with a donation of 100 million won ($77,000) to Asan Medical Center. The money will be split evenly. Half will go toward the hospital’s development fund to improve treatment systems for cancer patients, while the other half will support medical expenses for vulnerable patients.
Lee has been a steady philanthropist, having donated the same amount to the hospital’s children’s wing earlier this year. He is also actively involved in supporting young adults aging out of the foster care system and various disaster relief efforts.
Ahn Hyo Seop donated 50 million won ($38,500) to the UNICEF Korea Committee. His contribution is earmarked for humanitarian aid for children worldwide suffering from war, disasters, poverty, and disease. Specifically, the funds will provide emergency relief supplies to help children survive the cold winter and access basic education.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie is giving back in a creative way. She will host her first solo photo exhibition, titled ‘J2NNI5,’ from January 16 to 29, 2026, at Youthsquake in Seoul.
The exhibition will feature unreleased photos capturing candid moments of the star at age 25. Jennie personally participated in every aspect of the project, from planning the exhibition to publishing a photo book. Most importantly, all proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to charity.
IU donated a total of 200 million won ($154,000) to support vulnerable social groups. The funds were distributed equally among four organizations to provide aid to single mothers, youths aging out of foster care, the hearing-impaired, and the elderly facing food insecurity during the winter.
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