More than 100 million won raised after BTS's Jimin meets young patient
After BTS member Jimin met a young patient with cancer at a concert in Arlington, Texas, donations to support children with cancer exceeded 100 million won, or about $72,000. The Korea Herald reports, citing media reports.
Meeting at the concert
The episode occurred on August 15 during a performance of the song Go Go at a concert on the Arirang world tour. Jimin came down from the stage to greet Olivia, a girl supported by the nonprofit organization Heroes for Children. The organization provides financial and social assistance to families affected by childhood cancer.
Olivia was one of five children with cancer invited to the concert to VIP seats sponsored by the insurance company UnitedHealthcare. Jimin gave the girl a keychain, patted her on the head, hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Fundraising campaign
A video of the meeting quickly spread on social media and gained more than 5 million views within a day. After that, Heroes for Children and the global BTS Army fan community launched a fundraising campaign for children with cancer.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had reached 93% of its $100,000 goal. Natalie Brugger, senior director of events and marketing at Heroes for Children, told JoongAng Ilbo that BTS fans in different countries were sharing Olivia's story and looking for ways to help other children with cancer.
According to her, the concert gave the invited children an opportunity to take their minds off treatment for one evening and simply be children. She also noted that Jimin's gesture encouraged people to learn more about childhood cancer and support children and their families.
