Jisung, the youngest member of the globally acclaimed K-pop group NCT Dream, has celebrated his birthday by making a substantial impact beyond the world of music.
On February 5, 2026, Samsung Seoul Hospital officially announced that the idol had donated a staggering 250 million KRW (approximately $170,818 USD).
This generous act was specifically timed to coincide with his birthday, turning a personal celebration into an opportunity to contribute to the greater good.
Rather than a general contribution, Jisung requested that the funds be directed toward a very specific and critical area of medical science: the study of intractable diseases.
Funding the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer
The core of Jisung’s donation is aimed at advancing research into pancreatic cancer, one of the most challenging and aggressive forms of the disease.
NCT Dream’s Jisung (Credit: YouTube)
The funds will be allocated toward precision medicine studies, a field that focuses on tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient.
Pancreatic cancer often has a low survival rate due to its late detection and resistance to standard treatments.
By supporting this high-level research, Jisung’s contribution is expected to provide essential resources for medical professionals working to find cures and improve the quality of life for those suffering from currently “incurable” conditions.
A Message of Empathy and Gratitude
In a statement reflecting on his decision to donate, Jisung expressed deep empathy for those battling severe illnesses.
He remarked that it “broke his heart” to witness the suffering caused by diseases that are difficult to treat.
Despite the magnitude of the 250 million KRW gift, the artist humbly described it as a “small contribution,” expressing hope that it would still play a role in advancing medical technology.
Furthermore, Jisung credited his fans, known as “Czennies,” for making this act of giving possible.
He noted that the love and support he receives from the fandom gave him the platform and motivation to “give back” and help create a “warmer world” for everyone.
A Consistent History of Philanthropy
This latest act of kindness is not an isolated incident for the NCT Dream member. Jisung has a growing reputation for his philanthropic efforts.
In March of the previous year, he made headlines for donating 50 million KRW (approx. $34,164 USD) to aid recovery efforts in the Yeongnam region following devastating wildfires.
That donation was used to provide housing and essential livelihood restoration for families who had been displaced by the natural disaster.
His continued commitment to various causes—from disaster relief to high-level medical research—demonstrates a consistent desire to use his influence for positive social change.
While Jisung makes waves for his charitable work, he and his fellow NCT Dream members are also preparing for major professional milestones.
The group is currently gearing up for the grand finale of their latest tour, titled ‘2026 NCT Dream Tour ‘The Dream Show 4: Future The Dream’.
The final concert is scheduled to take place in Seoul next month, where thousands of fans are expected to gather.
As Jisung enters a new year of his life, both his fans and the medical community are celebrating not just his artistic talent, but his profound maturity and dedication to helping those in need.
Through this 250 million KRW donation, Jisung has set a powerful example of how young stars can leverage their success to tackle some of society’s most difficult challenges.
On February 3, 2026, global superstar Bruno Mars took to his Instagram Story to share a moment that quickly went viral across the K-pop community and beyond.
The “Die With A Smile” singer posted a photo of a South Korean newspaper featuring a prominent headline about his collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Rosé , the smash hit “ APT .”
This move was seen by many as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the song’s massive impact in South Korea and its role in bringing Korean culture—specifically the “apartment” drinking game—to a global audience.
The 2026 Grammy Awards Performance
The viral post came just days after Bruno Mars and Rosé delivered an electrifying opening performance at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1. Channelling a pop-punk aesthetic, the duo performed “APT.” in front of the music industry’s biggest names, including Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, who were seen dancing in the audience.
Although “APT.” was nominated for three major categories—Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance—it surprisingly did not take home any trophies, leading to intense debate among fans online.
Debunking Fallout Rumors
The Instagram Story also served as a silent rebuttal to “feud” rumors that had begun to circulate following their Grammy shutout.
Fake screenshots had briefly gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that Mars had unfollowed or even blocked Rosé on Instagram after the loss.
However, fans quickly pointed out that Mars had never followed Rosé to begin with, and the two were later spotted celebrating with pizza and attending an after-party in West Hollywood together.
By posting the Korean newspaper, Mars reinforced his pride in the project and his ongoing friendship with the “Big Bad Rosie.”
“APT.”’s Cultural and Commercial Legacy
- Spent 12 weeks atop the Billboard Global 200.
- Become the fastest music video by an Asian act to reach one billion views on YouTube.
- Achieved ten weeks at number one on the Circle Digital Chart in South Korea.
- Won “Song of the Year” honors at the 2025 MTV VMAs and the 2024 Asia Artist Awards.
The “Die With A Smile” singer posted a photo of a South Korean newspaper featuring a prominent headline about his collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Rosé, the smash hit “APT.” (Credit: Instagram)
A Bridge Between Worlds
Bruno Mars’ decision to showcase the Korean press highlights his appreciation for the unique cultural roots of “APT.”
During his 2025 interview with Billboard, Mars noted his fascination with the Korean drinking game that inspired the song, and his recent social media activity confirms that he views the collaboration as a career highlight despite the lack of a Grammy win.
As the song continues to be a staple on global charts, Mars and Rosé have proven that cultural exchange in music can create a viral phenomenon that transcends industry awards and unites fandoms across the globe.
