Image to help understand the article
A Birthday Run for Clean Water
Hongjoong, the leader of K-pop group ATEEZ, is joining World Vision to hold a virtual 6-kilometer charity run from Nov. 1-7, turning his birthday celebration into a fundraiser for clean water projects.
Participants can complete the distance at any time and place during the event period and submit proof of their run. The campaign is intended to raise awareness of global water access while allowing fans and other participants to mark Hongjoong’s Nov. 7 birthday through charitable giving.
The event is entering its third year. Hongjoong, whose legal name is Kim Hongjoong, began the birthday run in 2024 and has since taken part annually with fans. This year, registration has been expanded to include members of the general public who are not fans.
Event Expands Beyond South Korea
The virtual run will be held in South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, with World Vision’s offices in Malaysia and Singapore participating. Registration is scheduled for the 6th through the 16th through the official Global 6K website.
The entry fee is 11,700 won, a figure chosen to represent Hongjoong’s Nov. 7 birthday. The full amount will be donated to World Vision programs focused on clean water, sanitation and hygiene.
Participants will receive digital materials featuring Hongjoong, including a race bib and photo card, along with a calendar, running playlist, completion certificate and KakaoTalk theme. KakaoTalk is South Korea’s dominant mobile messaging service.
Why the Race Is 6 Kilometers
World Vision says 6 kilometers represents the average distance children in developing countries must walk each day to obtain clean water. The organization said completing the distance can help participants better understand the burden those children face and why assistance is needed.
About 4,000 fans participated last year, raising 60 million won. The donations supported clean water and sanitation projects for children in Africa.
Hongjoong said running with fans each year on his birthday and sharing a commitment to helping others has been personally meaningful. He said he was especially excited that more people could participate this year and expressed hope that the runners’ support would reach children who need clean water.
Hongjoong’s Work With World Vision
Hongjoong has worked with World Vision since 2022 to support vulnerable children in South Korea and abroad. He is a member of the Bob Pierce Honor Club, World Vision’s group for major donors, and was appointed a global ambassador for the organization’s Global 6K for Water campaign in March.
World Vision Chairman Cho Myung-hwan thanked Hongjoong for using his birthday each year to encourage charitable giving. Cho said the expanded participation could help more people understand the circumstances facing children without reliable access to clean water and inspire them to contribute.
Comments
Post a Comment