G-Dragon Donates $189,000 to Hong Kong Fire Relief as K-Pop Star Supports Disaster Recovery
K-pop icon G-Dragon has pledged HK$1 million (approximately $189,000 USD) to support victims of the devastating apartment fire in Hong Kong that claimed at least 128 lives, demonstrating the global reach of Korean celebrity philanthropy.
The BIGBANG leader's donation will go to the "Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po," a relief fund established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to aid recovery efforts following the November 26 fire that tore through seven residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court complex.
Targeted Support for First Responders
G-Dragon specifically requested that his contribution support firefighters and volunteers involved in rescue and restoration operations at the fire site. The donation will also fund psychological recovery programs for affected residents, addressing the long-term trauma caused by the disaster.
Through the Juspeace Foundation, where G-Dragon serves as honorary chairman, the donation extends beyond immediate financial aid. The foundation plans to leverage its expertise in psychological support for firefighters and disaster responders, collaborating with local Hong Kong organizations to provide mental health resources to first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the tragedy.
Foundation's Mission of Healing Through Art
The Juspeace Foundation emphasized its message of "collective recovery" in a statement, expressing hope that Hong Kong citizens can "return to daily life" through the healing power of art. Since June 2025, the foundation has operated a "Hero Recovery" art therapy project supporting firefighters responding to climate-related disasters.
Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yongho, who chairs the Juspeace Foundation, explained that the donation demonstrates "the spirit of solidarity beyond borders" and aims to help victims overcome trauma through artistic healing.
Hong Kong Fire Context
The Wang Fuk Court fire broke out on November 26, 2025, rapidly spreading across seven of the complex's eight towers. The buildings were undergoing major renovations and were covered in bamboo scaffolding and protective netting when the fire started. Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze began in lower-level scaffolding netting and spread rapidly due to highly flammable materials including styrofoam panels.
As of November 29, the death toll stood at 128, with approximately 200 people still missing and 79 injured, including 12 firefighters. One firefighter died during rescue operations. The Hong Kong government declared an official three-day mourning period from November 29 to December 1, with flags flown at half-mast and condolence books placed across the city's 18 districts.
Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the fire, including directors and consultants from construction companies involved in the renovation project. The Independent Commission Against Corruption launched investigations into possible corruption related to the renovation work.
G-Dragon's Philanthropic Track Record
This donation continues G-Dragon's pattern of supporting disaster relief and mental health causes through the Juspeace Foundation, which he helped establish in August 2024. The foundation focuses on combating drug addiction, supporting artistic talent, and providing psychological support through art therapy.
Earlier in 2025, G-Dragon donated 300 million won (approximately $223,000) from concert proceeds to support wildfire recovery efforts in South Korea. During his U.S. world tour in August and September, the foundation invited firefighters and their families to concerts as part of its "Public Disaster PTSD Art Healing Project."
The artist's charitable work reflects his broader commitment to social causes, including previous donations to child welfare programs and initiatives supporting youth struggling with addiction.
