Jungkook's 1 Billion Won Donation to Children's Hospital: A Heartwarming Act by the BTS Member

Jung Kook's 1 Billion Won Donation to Children's Hospital: A Warm-Hearted Act by the BTS Member

On April 6, 2025, the case of Jung Kook (Jeon Jung-kook) of BTS donating 1 billion won (approximately 758,990 USD) to Seoul National University Children's Hospital on April 14, 2023, is still making headlines. According to the official announcement from Seoul National University Hospital, Jung Kook donated 1 billion won (approximately 758,990 USD), supporting the treatment costs of low-income children and the operation of the integrated care center. This donation is not merely financial support but is also evaluated as a model case of K-pop's social contribution, especially offering hope to children suffering from serious illnesses such as liver cancer. This article explores the medical and social significance of this event in depth from the perspectives of a liver specialist and a social contribution analyst.

Table of Contents

Overview and Background of Jung Kook's Donation
Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Beneficiaries
Medical Impact of the Donation on Children with Liver Cancer
Social Impact and Jung Kook's Influence
In the Context of Budget Cuts for Children's Hospitals in 2023
Conclusion: Towards Sustainable Social Contribution

Overview and Background of Jung Kook's Donation

On April 14, 2023, Jung Kook donated 1 billion won to Seoul National University Children's Hospital. Seoul National University Hospital officially announced this news on April 18, stating that the donation would be used for the treatment costs of low-income children and the integrated care center project. Jung Kook conveyed a message saying, "I hope this will be a small help to the suffering children, and I cheer them on so they can laugh healthily." This donation is an extension of the continuous charitable activities of the BTS members, and Jung Kook's donation showcases his personal values and social responsibility.

Jung Kook's donation received even more attention because it coincided with the government's budget cuts for public children's rehabilitation hospitals in 2023 (1.5 billion won in 2022 → 0 won in 2023). This is not a mere coincidence but reflects his deep insight into helping the socially disadvantaged.

Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Beneficiaries

Seoul National University Children's Hospital is a leading pediatric medical institution in Korea, treating children with liver cancer, leukemia, and rare intractable diseases. Approximately 10,000 or more children receive treatment here annually, and low-income children often discontinue treatment due to financial burdens. Jung Kook's donation is directly used for the treatment of low-income children and has contributed to strengthening holistic care through the integrated care center, including psychological counseling and family support programs.

The hospital stated that "without such support, the operation of the integrated care center would be in deficit," and praised Jung Kook's donation for providing tangible reassurance to patients and their families.

Medical Impact of the Donation on Children with Liver Cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, is rare in children, but it is a serious disease with a poor prognosis if it occurs. According to the National Cancer Information Center, pediatric liver cancer in Korea accounts for approximately 12% of all liver cancers and is mainly caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or congenital liver disease. The 5-year survival rate for pediatric liver cancer reaches 60-70% with early detection, but drops to below 20% in advanced stages (Korean Association for the Study of the Liver). Supporting children with liver cancer involves high-cost anti-cancer treatment, liver transplantation, and long-term hospitalization, placing a significant burden on low-income families.

Jung Kook's 1 billion won is estimated to provide direct treatment support to approximately 50-100 children (average annual treatment cost for pediatric liver cancer: 10-20 million won). This contributes to improved survival rates and reduced economic stress on families, highlighting the importance of early intervention for liver health recovery.

Social Impact and Jung Kook's Influence

Jung Kook's influence extends beyond the donation amount; it has caused social change. His good deed stimulated his fandom (ARMY), triggering a donation relay, with a representative example being Japanese fans donating an additional 10 million won to commemorate Jung Kook's birthday in August 2023. This showcases a new paradigm of K-pop's social contribution, demonstrating the positive influence of celebrities.

Furthermore, Jung Kook's donation highlighted the importance of private resources in the public healthcare sector, where government support is lacking. As reactions on X platform like, "Jung Kook filled the government budget gap," illustrate, this has served as a catalyst for re-examining the role of the private sector in supporting the socially disadvantaged.

In the Context of Budget Cuts for Children's Hospitals in 2023

In 2023, the South Korean government completely cut the budget for public children's rehabilitation hospitals from 1.5 billion won in 2022 to 0 won (KBS report). This created a significant gap in the treatment and rehabilitation of seriously ill children, particularly those with high-cost illnesses such as liver cancer and leukemia. Amidst the budget cuts for children's hospitals, Jung Kook's 1 billion won donation served as a practical alternative, covering approximately 67% of the government's support. This is why his thoughtful choice is evaluated not just as a simple donation, but as an example of fulfilling social responsibility.

Conclusion: Towards Sustainable Social Contribution

Jung Kook's 1 billion won donation to the children's hospital is not a single event but a symbol of sustainable social contribution. By increasing the survival rate of children with serious illnesses such as liver cancer and reducing the burden on low-income families, this donation has created both medical and social value. Jung Kook's charitable activities continue the long tradition of donations from BTS, and his influence is expected to inspire many more in 2025 and beyond. Why not participate in this virtuous cycle with your own small actions?