SEOUL (Bernama-Yonhap): K-pop powerhouses Hybe, SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, along with more artists from the industry have joined a growing wave of aid efforts across Asia to support victims of a deadly apartment fire in Hong Kong, industry sources and company officials said on Friday, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Hybe Music Group APAC, which oversees six affiliated labels, including BigHit Music, Belift Lab and Source Music, contributed 500 million won (US$341,390) to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, according to the sources.
The funds will be used in cooperation with a non-profit organisation in Hong Kong to aid families affected by the fire, the company said.
"We offer our deepest condolences to all those impacted by the tragedy. We hope our donation brings some comfort and helps speed up recovery efforts,” the company's CEO Yu Dong-ju said in a statement.
Girl group i-dle also donated 1 million Chinese yuan (US$141,235) through China's Fosun Foundation. Chinese member Yuqi extended her wishes on social media on Wednesday, writing that she hoped "everyone remains safe and sound."
YG Entertainment said it had donated HK$1 million (US$128,483) in emergency relief funds via its official Weibo account. GOT7 member Jackson Wang also gave HK$1 million under his clothing label Team Wang to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Foundation.
A native of Hong Kong, Wang posted information on local shelters and appealed to followers to ensure that "everyone in need, including animals, receives proper assistance."
Earlier, SM Entertainment donated HK$1 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross. Its groups, aespa and Riize also contributed HK$500,000 (US$64,233) and HK$250,000 (US$32,117), respectively.
Also on Friday, JYP Entertainment donated HK$2 million to World Vision Hong Kong. The company said on Weibo that the funds will be used to provide emergency shelters for children and other residents affected by the fire, as well as to support their mental health treatment. - Bernama-Yonhap
