K-pop labels donate money to help fight coronavirus
JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young, left, and SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo-man. Courtesy of Mnet, SM Entertainment
By Dong Sun-hwa
Major K-pop labels have made donations to help in the nationwide battle against coronavirus.
JYP Entertainment, home to K-pop acts TWICE and GOT7, donated 500 million won ($410,000) to the Community Chest of Korea on Feb. 28.
“We hope our contribution will support the medical team and those affected by the virus in Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province and other regions,” JYP said.
Daegu, South Korea's fourth-largest city, and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province are at the center of the coronavirus epidemic here. As of Sunday afternoon, the two regions had 3,083 confirmed cases.
“We will strive to provide medical supplies and hygiene products promptly to prevent the spread of the virus,” the organization said.
SM Entertainment also contributed the same amount to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association on Feb. 28.
The agency asked the association to support the medical team, which has been dedicated to treatment around the clock.
“SM asked us to use the funds to buy protective clothing and gear, as well as other medical supplies,” the association said.
Meanwhile, legions of K-pop stars including soloist IU, rapper Zico, Irene of Red Velvet and Tzuyu, a Taiwanese member of TWICE, have also donated funds to help combat the deadly virus.