BTS leader RM donated 100 million won for uniformed service members, but the use of funds is unclear, raising concerns about transparency.
October/15/2025 18:17
BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) leader RM donated 100 million won (about 1 million dollars) last year to help uniformed service members dedicated to the country, and the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs publicized RM's case to gather more donations, but it has been reported that the use of those funds is unclear. On the 15th, according to a report by Korean broadcaster JTBC, it was confirmed that the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is unable to ascertain whether the collected donations were used as designated. In September of last year, RM celebrated his birthday while serving in the military and donated 100 million won as a reward fund. RM stated that he made this decision to participate in the 'Uniformed Service Appreciation Campaign.' He expressed his desire to support military personnel, police, firefighters, and their families, saying, 'Recently, I have felt the dedication of many people to the country on-site, and I want to help, albeit in a small way, all the heroes who are dedicating themselves to the country at this moment and those who have worked hard for peace until now.' In response, the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs at the time stated, 'RM, wearing military uniform and fulfilling his duty of national defense, is a role model for many young people,' and explained that RM's donation would be used for the treatment and welfare support of national merit holders and their families among uniformed service members. Following this, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs widely publicized RM's case, and the number of donors who made 'designated donations' surged to about 2,000, with the total donation amount reaching 1 billion won (about 1 million dollars). However, it became clear that under current law, donations are managed solely through one 'National Merit Support Account,' making it practically impossible for donors to make 'designated donations.' Even if donors specify a particular area they wish to donate to, all donations are pooled into one account and mixed with other donations. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs revised the enforcement decree last year to increase public participation in donations, creating a basis for designated donations. Currently, looking at the online donation platform for national merit holders, 'Everyone's Patriot Dream,' donors can choose specific donation areas such as △culture of treatment △welfare for the elderly △self-sufficiency foundation △medical rehabilitation △all fields. A Ministry official acknowledged, 'In practice, detailed execution is difficult,' and admitted, 'We revised the enforcement decree for publicity purposes, knowing that the scope of donations would remain limited.'
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