BTS’ Jimin Earns the Title of ICON’s ‘Face of K-pop 2025’ for Charitable Contributions
On March 23, 2025, Jimin from BTS was once again honored as ICON’s ‘Face of K-pop 2025’, recognizing his outstanding philanthropic efforts that have made a significant impact on the lives of two children. This prestigious title marks a remarkable achievement for the star, as it is his second consecutive year receiving this accolade.
Significant Contributions to Children in Need
As reported on ICON’s official platform, Jimin donated a total of 1,062,676 KRW (around $731) to support two children. He provided financial assistance for Alphasard from Tanzania for nine months and Jeisy from Bolivia for eight months, showcasing his commitment to improving the educational and living conditions for those in need.
Jimin’s dedication to philanthropy was first recognized in May 2024 when he was awarded the ‘Face of K-pop 2025’ title. That year, as part of his charitable efforts, ICON facilitated a donation of 700,000 KRW (approximately $477.53) through Compassion’s Gift Catalog to Vinuska, a child in Sri Lanka.
The Selection Process: A Celebration of Global K-pop Influence
ICON, an esteemed international platform dedicated to art and entertainment, established the ‘Face of K-pop 2025’ campaign to acknowledge solo artists who have made notable contributions to the global K-pop scene. The identification of this title is a community-centric process, relying on public voting to determine the winners.
Fan Reactions and Community Celebration
The announcement of Jimin’s second recognition sparked joy and excitement among fans who took to social media to celebrate his latest accomplishment. One devoted fan aptly referred to him as a “role model”:
“Jimin is ICON’s Face of K-pop 2025. Very on brand of him for he is indeed a leader & role model in donating to charity,”they wrote.
This sentiment was echoed by many others, enthusiastic about Jimin’s contributions. Fans expressed their pride, with messages such as:
“Congratulations to our charity fairy and ‘the Face of K-pop’, Jimin!”
Another fan highlighted the emotional satisfaction accompanying Jimin’s win, stating:
“That feeling, yes, that one you are feeling right now. That’s the feeling of accomplishment. The joy that comes after a well-deserved hard work. Let’s always work hard in responding to ongoing poll for Jimin.”
Messages of congratulations flooded in, showing immense support and admiration for Jimin’s continued charitable work, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in the K-pop community.
A Legacy of Philanthropy
Jimin’s charitable contributions extend well beyond this recent recognition. From 2016 to 2018, he generously covered uniform costs for students at his former school, Busan Hodong Elementary School. In early 2019, he donated 100 million KRW (approximately $68,131.06) to the Busan Department of Education to help students from low-income families, which also benefited artists at the Busan Arts High School.
In addition to this, in July 2020, he contributed another 100 million KRW to establish scholarships for talented yet financially challenged students in South Jeolla Province through the Jeonnam Future Education Foundation. And in May 2024, Jimin made headlines again with a donation of the same amount to the Gyeongnam Office of Education for scholarships aimed at underprivileged youth.
Notably, in February 2023, Jimin teamed up with fellow BTS member j-hope to donate approximately $78,000 to assist children impacted by devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. His humanitarian efforts also include a donation of 100 million KRW to Rotary International for polio patient support and a contribution to the Army Patriotic Comrades Love Fund to aid the families of veteran soldiers.
More recently, in December 2024, he donated 30 million KRW to the Busan Senior Welfare Center, further demonstrating his wide-reaching commitment to charitable causes.
Looking Ahead
Currently, Jimin is fulfilling his mandatory military service in South Korea, with an anticipated return on June 11, 2025. His ongoing dedication to philanthropy continues to inspire fans around the world, reaffirming his status not only as a K-pop idol but also as a beacon of hope and kindness.