SEVENTEEN UNESCO Donation 2025: K-pop Stars Give $250K for Youth Programs
SEVENTEEN just proved they're more than incredible performers-they're genuine advocates for young people worldwide. The K-pop superstars donated $250,000 to UNESCO on International Youth Day (August 12), funding that came entirely from their charity auction with Japanese fashion brand sacai.
The Story Behind the Donation
The money came from "JOOPITER presents: sacai x SEVENTEEN," a charity auction held in June 2025 on Pharrell Williams' digital platform JOOPITER. The auction featured some pretty cool items-leather jackets the members helped design, autographed t-shirts, limited-edition Labubu figures, and necklaces created with designer Yoon Ahn.
What makes this donation special isn't just the amount. SEVENTEEN specifically chose to give all the proceeds to strengthen UNESCO's Global Youth Grant Scheme, a program they helped create that's already supporting 100 youth-led projects across 70 countries.
Why SEVENTEEN Cares About Youth Issues
The group's statement really captures why this matters to them: "Since our debut, we have grown by capturing the diverse moments of youth through music that reflects our sincere experiences and emotions, making the meaning of International Youth Day especially significant to us".
That connection to youth experiences isn't just marketing talk. SEVENTEEN became UNESCO's first-ever Youth Goodwill Ambassadors in June 2024, after they made history as the first K-pop act to speak and perform at the UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris in November 2023.
The Bigger Picture: $1.25 Million and Counting
This latest donation brings SEVENTEEN's total contribution to UNESCO youth programs to over $1.25 million. Their initial $1 million pledge in 2024 launched the "Going Together - For Youth Creativity and Well-Being" grant scheme, which focuses on three areas:
- Building youth confidence through music, arts, and sports
- Creating supportive creative communities
- Supporting mental health and well-being
The program received over 2,300 applications from young people worldwide within just weeks of launching. Each grant ranges from $5,000 to $7,500 and supports project leaders aged 18-30.
What's Next for SEVENTEEN
While continuing their humanitarian work, SEVENTEEN is also preparing for their "NEW_" world tour starting September 13-14 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. The tour will feature fewer members than usual since several are completing mandatory military service-a reality for all South Korean male entertainers.
The tour continues to five U.S. cities in October and four major Japanese domes from November through December, proving that even while navigating military obligations, the group remains committed to both their music and their advocacy work.
The Real Impact
SEVENTEEN's approach shows how modern artists can use their platform for genuine social impact. Rather than just writing checks, they've created sustainable programs that directly fund young people's ideas and projects around the world.
As UNESCO noted, this donation "mobilized SEVENTEEN's global fanbase to support UNESCO's mandate, further reinforcing their role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador". It's a partnership that benefits everyone-fans get exclusive items, young people get funding for their projects, and SEVENTEEN continues building their legacy beyond music.
This $250,000 donation might seem like just another celebrity charity moment, but it represents something bigger: a sustained commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers.
