HYBE logo, Jackson. Photo = HYBE, Yonhap News
As deaths and injuries surged following a massive fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po area, the K-pop industry has been joining donation efforts one after another.
According to Hong Kong fire authorities on the 28th, the fire that broke out on the 26th at a 32-story residential high-rise in the Tai Po district of northern Hong Kong left 94 dead and 76 injured. As the horrific news spread, artists at home and abroad and major agencies moved to provide emergency aid, and helping hands have followed quickly.
At around 10:15 p.m. on the 27th (local time), gray smoke caused by smoldering flames and heat rises at the high-rise apartment complex ‘Wang Fuk Court’(Wang Fuk Court) in Tai Po, northern Hong Kong. Yonhap News
On the 28th, the six APAC labels of HYBE Music Group donated $375,000 (500,000,000 KRW) to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, stating, “We offer our condolences to those who were tragically lost in the Hong Kong fire. We hope the damage in the affected area can be swiftly contained and recovery achieved.” The funds will be used, in cooperation with Hong Kong nonprofit organizations, to support bereaved families and affected households.
SM Entertainment also delivered 1 million Hong Kong dollars to the Hong Kong Red Cross. Artists under the label likewise donated separately in their own names. aespa donated 500,000 Hong Kong dollars, saying, “We express deep concern at the heartbreaking news. We sincerely pray for everyone to be safe,” while RIIZE also contributed 250,000 Hong Kong dollars, writing, “We felt heavy-hearted upon hearing the sad news.” WayV stated, “We are deeply grieved by the heartbreaking news,” and disclosed a donation of 250,000 Hong Kong dollars.
YG Entertainment also sent 1 million Hong Kong dollars to the same organization, saying, “We extend our deepest condolences to all the victims,” and, “We express profound gratitude and respect to everyone leading rescue efforts in these difficult circumstances.”
Individual artists also joined in. Jackson of GOT7, who is from Hong Kong, together with his brand ‘TEAM WANG design’, delivered 1 million Hong Kong dollars to a local hospital, saying, “We extend deep condolences to everyone affected. Our hearts are with all those impacted during this difficult time.”
Group I-DLE. Provided by Cube Entertainment
Stray Kids. Provided by JYP Entertainment
I-DLE donated 1 million yuan through China’s Fosun Foundation. Member Yuqi also left a message of condolence on social media, saying, “We hope everyone will be safe.”
Stray Kids also donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars, saying, “We cannot contain our grief. Our hearts are always with Hong Kong.” Super Junior likewise added their condolences, saying, “Remembering the warmth and kindness of this city… we are donating 1 million Hong Kong dollars.”
Zhang Hao, the Chinese member of ZEROBASEONE, also took part in the donations. The Fosun Foundation announced, “The good-hearted artist Zhang Hao has delivered a donation to support emergency relief,” and added, “We hope everyday life will be restored as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, the ‘2025 MAMA AWARDS’ scheduled at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium will proceed as planned. The venue is about 20 km from the fire site, and although the possibility of a full cancellation had been raised, CJ ENM said, “‘2025 MAMA AWARDS’ believes in the healing and unifying power of music,” and added, “We are preparing with care so that the performance can deliver comfort and hope rather than flashy staging.”
