
BTS member V has donated 200 million KRW (approx. 136,277 USD) to support wildfire recovery efforts.
According to the Korean Red Cross on March 31, the donation will be used to aid wildfire victims and improve working conditions for firefighters, with 100 million KRW (approx. 68,138 USD) allocated to each cause.
V expressed his deep respect, stating, “I sincerely honor those affected by this sudden disaster and the firefighters, response crews, and volunteers who risk their safety on the front lines.”
He further shared, “While serving in the military, I watched the news during evening roll call, and it deeply saddened me. Thinking that some of my fellow soldiers’ families might have been affected made it even more concerning. Fortunately, the fires have been mostly contained, but I sincerely hope there will be no further casualties. I also wish for my donation to provide even the smallest help.”
Kim Chul Soo, President of the Korean Red Cross, expressed gratitude, saying, “We deeply appreciate this meaningful contribution to protect the safety and lives of the people. We will ensure that the donation is used transparently and responsibly to support wildfire victims and firefighters effectively.”
According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, the wildfire in North Gyeongsang Province, which began on March 22, was fully extinguished on the 28th, while the fire in South Gyeongsang Province was contained by 1 p.m. on the 30th after burning for ten days.
The wildfires resulted in 30 deaths, 9 serious injuries, and 36 minor injuries, totaling 75 casualties. A total of 6,452 facilities were damaged, with North Gyeongsang suffering the most (6,336 cases), followed by South Gyeongsang (84), Ulsan (30), and Muju (2).
The affected area spans 48,238.61 hectares, equivalent to the size of 64,059 soccer fields.
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