Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
BTS' donation goes to Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation
BTS in New York City / Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
A $1-million donation from K-pop boy band BTS and its agency Big Hit Entertainment goes to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc.
An agency official told The Korea Times Monday that they chose the organization to donate their money. In the United States, there are reportedly hundreds of groups working for racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Our donation will be used to sponsor the movement that aims to end racial discrimination and violence (based on race),” the official said.
According to the organization's website, its mission is to “eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes.” Patrisse Khan-Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, now famous activists for civil rights, are its co-founders.
After the news of BTS' donation, the group's fan-based charity fundraising group “One In An ARMY” announced that it also raised $1 million in donations for Black Lives Matter, matching the amount donated earlier by their stars.
Their donation comes as protests over the death of George Floyd continue in the U.S. Floyd, 46, died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25 after a white police officer pressed his knee on his neck during an arrest.
The incident has sparked mass protests against racism and police brutality in the country and around the world.