Philanthropy of BTS

Lore & Background

BTS began their philanthropic activities in 2015 by donating seven tons of rice to charity at the K-Star Road opening ceremony. In 2017, they and Big Hit Entertainment donated ₩100 million to the 4/16 Sewol Families for Truth and A Safer Society, intended to be secret. That same year, they launched the Love Myself campaign with UNICEF to fund programs preventing violence against children and teens.

In subsequent years, BTS participated in various charitable ventures, including donating to the ALS hospital building fund, contributing to the Black Lives Matter movement, and supporting Live Nation's Crew Nation campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also participated in multiple MusiCares charity auctions, donating items such as microphones and outfits that sold for significantly more than estimated.

The Love Myself campaign, funded by donations from BTS and Big Hit, album sales, and merchandise, raised over ₩4.2 billion by October 2021. The campaign expanded to a global trilateral partnership with UNICEF headquarters in 2021, and in 2024 introduced the #OnMyMind initiative as its second chapter.

Reader's Guide

BTS's philanthropic significance lies in their consistent and substantial donations to a wide range of causes, from disaster relief and medical charities to youth education and violence prevention. Their Love Myself campaign, launched in partnership with UNICEF, has raised millions of dollars and generated millions of social media engagements, demonstrating the power of celebrity influence on charitable giving. The band's efforts have motivated their fans to match donations and engage in humanitarian activities, amplifying the impact of their contributions. By donating privately and later having their patronage made public, BTS has maintained a focus on the causes rather than personal publicity. Their involvement in global initiatives such as the United Nations' Generation Unlimited and their participation in high-profile charity auctions have further solidified their role as philanthropists who leverage their platform for social good. The expansion of the Love Myself campaign to a multinational partnership with UNICEF headquarters marks a notable achievement in cross-border charitable collaboration.

Did You Know?

• BTS donated seven tons of rice to charity in 2015 from rice wreaths sent by fans.
• The band's donation to the Black Lives Matter movement was matched by fans within 24 hours.
• The Love Myself campaign raised over ₩4.2 billion by October 2021.
• BTS's autographed microphones sold for $83,200 at a MusiCares auction, more than eight times the starting price.