BTS fans in Texas have raised more than ₱4.4 million for children with cancer following a recent concert by the K-pop group, turning the excitement around the “Arirang” tour into support for families facing the disease.
The fundraising campaign, organized by Dallas-based BTS ARMY in partnership with Heroes for Children, had collected $71,541.07, or more than ₱4.4 million, as of the latest update.
Heroes for Children is a nonprofit organization that provides financial and social support to families with children battling cancer.
The campaign gained added attention after BTS member Jimin shared a special moment with a young cancer patient during the group’s August 15 concert in Arlington, Texas.
A section of the stadium was dedicated to children supported by Heroes for Children during the concert.
Jimin’s interaction with one of the children, Olivya, became a memorable moment for fans and inspired ARMYs to extend their support beyond the concert.
The Dallas Texas BTS ARMY invited fans to participate in the DFW Hero Games, an annual fundraising event organized by Heroes for Children that includes a fun run and other activities.
“It’s incredibly serendipitous that this event is taking place just one month after Jimin’s special moment with Olivya at the ARIRANG Arlington DI show,” the fan group said on Instagram.
The group also encouraged BTS fans around the world to donate or take part in the event, saying the funds would help more children and their families receive financial and social support.
“ARMY all over the world have shown up in a big way with donations and an outpouring of love. Let’s have another special moment in DFW that will benefit even more children, providing financial and social support and creating meaningful experiences for them,” it said.
The fundraising effort is part of a broader pattern of BTS fan groups using concerts and other activities to support charitable causes.
Following the Texas leg of the “Arirang” world tour, BTS is scheduled to perform in Toronto on Aug. 22 and 23, followed by shows in Chicago on Aug. 27 and 28.
