The air is getting colder, but fans of BTS are spreading warmth with charitable donations. Most recently they made a donation to benefit former “comfort women,” survivors of Japanese military sexual slavery.

On Sunday, the House of Sharing -- a residence for the aging survivors in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province -- said the fans had donated supplies to keep the residents warm throughout the winter. It stated that both local and international fans had participated in the donation drive.

The photos shared by the organization showed boxes of supplies piled up in front of the residence, including padded jackets, vests, socks, undergarments, adult diapers, hand sanitizers and fruit.

One of the fans reportedly said, “As members of the next generation, we will fulfill our responsibilities to (the survivors) and make our voices heard. Long live the survivors.”




They are also reportedly planning to donate to the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan, another civic group that advocates for the survivors.

BTS fans have a long history of giving back to the community.

After the Sewol ferry tragedy in 2014, BTS and its fans were quick to help by donating supplies to the affected families. More recently, this past October fans organized a blood drive in celebration of Jimin’s birthday.

They donated to an animal protection group, the Korean Animal Welfare Association, for Jin’s birthday on Dec. 4.

Also in early December, fans donated around 5.44 million won ($4,790) to the Hapcheon Welfare Center for Atomic Bomb Victims, a shelter in South Gyeongsang Province for Korean victims of the atomic bombs that the US used to attack the Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)