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Suzy’s Philanthropic Efforts

Suzy's Philanthropic EffortsK-pop idol and actress Bae Suzy, known professionally as Suzy, has made a name for herself in the Korean media industry. The star made her K-pop debut in 2010 and has since transitioned into acting, performing in highly rated K-dramas. In addition to her successes in the entertainment industry, Suzy has also worked to impact others with her philanthropy. Over the years, Suzy has donated to various charities, hoping to alleviate poverty in South Korea.

A History of Donations

One of Suzy’s most notable donations was to the Community Chest of Korea. The Community Chest of Korea is a national network of 16 locally governed organizations. The network works to improve conditions and empower the undeserved through sharing within the community. It is Korea’s largest community impact charity. Suzy has donated more than $100,000 to the organization. It recognized Suzy’s philanthropic efforts when she was made the seventh overall entertainer to join the society.

Another organization that Suzy has donated to is the Babo Nanum foundation. The organization announced that Suzy donated $42,087.90 to its Stars Filled with Dreams campaign. This campaign aims to help children achieve their dreams through education. In particular, Suzy sought to help those who had been affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. She had previously donated to other COVID-19 related charities; earlier, she donated $84,175.80 dollars to the Good Neighbors charity, which aids low-income families during the pandemic.

A Variety of Goals through Philanthropy

In addition to the Babo Nanum Foundation, Suzy has donated to other children’s charities. Children’s Day is on May 5 and is considered a national holiday in Korea. This year, the star made headlines for her generous $89,200 gift to the Happy Sharing Taekwondo Federation in honor of the holiday. Happy Sharing Taekwondo Federation is a volunteer organization centered around the principles of support and the sport of taekwondo. The organization will use the money to help less fortunate children in orphanages and young adults who child welfare institutions no longer protect. Her support has also extended to single mothers — she has previously donated $18,584 to the Korean Unwed Mothers Support Network.

Suzy’s philanthropic efforts make impacts across South Korea. She has previously donated $8,520 to a charity managed by the Buk District Council of Gwangju, her hometown community. She has also donated $12,600 to low-income families through the Life Share Association. The organization used the donated money to benefit low-income households by providing daily necessities. She has also donated $84,343 to the International Relief and Development NGO Good Neighbors and the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association. Suzy made these donations last year after torrential rain caused flooding in South Korea. She has also donated about $80,000 to Gangwon Province after forest fires left many people homeless.

Working for a Better Korea

While Korean media has become popular overseas, poverty in South Korea remains prevalent. As of 2019, the poverty rate in Korea was 16.7%. Part-time and dispatched workers, along with the elderly, typically struggle more to earn or secure their financial lives relative to others. Suzy’s philanthropic efforts serve to support the economically emerging nation. Fans around the world eagerly await to see where the philanthropic entertainer will donate next.

– Carly Johnson
Photo: Wikimedia

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BTS’ #ENDviolence Campaign and the Link between Poverty and Violence

#ENDviolence Campaign
There is a powerful positive correlation between poverty and violence. Working to address this problem is BTS, a popular K-pop boy band. By partnering with UNICEF, BTS has supported the #ENDviolence campaign, which focuses on ending violence against children and teens worldwide.

The Correlation Between Poverty and Violence

One study revealed that children who grew up in poverty are “seven times more likely to harm themselves and be involved in violent crimes as young adults.” To reach this conclusion, the study analyzed 21,267 patients who had self-harm incidents and 23,724 individuals who were accused of violent crime between the ages of 15 and 33.

The results revealed that “children who remained in the top 20% of wealthiest families over their first 15 years of life were the least likely to harm themselves or commit a violent crime between the ages of 15 and 33.” On the other hand, children from families who lived in the least wealthy fifth of society were 13 times more likely to commit crimes and seven times more likely to hurt themselves as young adults.

Numerous research demonstrates the causes of self-harm and abusive behaviors of children, one of which is poverty. Overall, exposure to poverty has a significant impact on violent behaviors. Reducing poverty will therefore lead to a reduction in violent actions.

K-Pop Group BTS’ Support for UNICEF

BTS, one of the most popular K-pop boy groups, has raised approximately $1.4 million for the UNICEF #ENDviolence campaign. On June 22, 2020, the K-pop superstars won the 2020 UNICEF Inspire Award in the Integrated Campaigns and Events category.

The UNICEF Inspire Awards go to the most influential UNICEF campaigns. For this year, there were about 100 campaigns from 50 countries competing for the awards. BTS won this year’s Inspire Award because of the group’s wide range of work to promote children’s rights, which includes fundraising and raising awareness about the issue.

#ENDviolence Campaign

UNICEF launched the #ENDviolence campaign, also known as the Love Myself campaign, in 2017 to fight “against violence toward children and teens around the world.” Through the #ENDviolence campaign, UNICEF works actively to rebuild children’s lives. Some of the organization’s work includes bringing civilian life back to child soldiers and supporting shelters for street kids. UNICEF also protects trafficked children by training and funding a child protection team.

After BTS received the UNICEF Inspire Award, the secretary-general of UNICEF Korea, Lee Ki-Cheol, said, “BTS’ message that you need to love yourself in order to be able to love others is creating positive transformation all over the world. I believe this award is the result of BTS’ positive influence as they give children and youth across the Earth, both courage and comfort.”

BTS’ Global Philanthropy

BTS has not only helped the #ENDviolence campaign but has also contributed to other social and philanthropic campaigns. One member of the group, J-Hope, donated 100 million won ($84,407) to support underprivileged children. The donation went to the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation. This organization supports children in need and helps students achieve their dreams. Along with the donation, J-Hope said: “Amongst the disadvantaged children that are victims of the various societal problems, I hope that these funds will be well-delivered to those that are facing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus.” J-Hope has been consistently making these generous donations so that the total amount of his donations so far reached 450 million won ($380,530). It’s safe to say that he along with his fellow BTS members are using their position to help people around the world.

– Alison Choi
Photo: Flickr