Stray Kids’ Felix has long been celebrated not only for his deep, resonant rap and captivating stage presence but also for his profound commitment to social welfare.
During a special appearance on the December 24, 2025, episode of tvN’s popular variety show “ You Quiz on the Block ,” host Yoo Jae Suk shed light on the artist’s immense charitable efforts.
It was revealed that in celebration of his birthday, Felix donated a staggering 200 million KRW (approximately $138,461 USD).
This act of generosity is just one of many that have defined his career, positioning him as a leading figure in a new generation of “philanthropy idols” who use their global platform to effect tangible change.
The Motivation Behind the Mission
When asked what drives his relentless pursuit of altruism, Felix offered a deeply personal perspective rooted in his upbringing.
He recalled fond memories of his great-grandmother, a woman who “didn’t speak much” but expressed her love through countless selfless actions—cooking meals, preparing blankets, and creating a safe, warm environment for her family.
“We spent so much time together that I truly felt, ‘This is what love is,’” Felix shared.
This early experience of quiet, steadfast devotion instilled in him a desire to ensure others could feel that same sense of being cared for.
He noted that growing up surrounded by such love naturally led him to think about sharing and giving from a very young age.
A “Meaningful Vacation” in Laos
Perhaps most striking was Felix’s decision to spend his precious vacation time volunteering in Laos alongside his mother.
In an industry where vacations are rare and often used for rest, Felix chose to fly to Southeast Asia to provide hands-on aid.
He explained that while seeing global issues on a screen is one thing, witnessing them in person is transformative.
“That’s when it clicked—this is the reason,” he said, reflecting on the joy of helping those in need.
For Felix, the happiness gained from giving far outweighed the benefits of a standard holiday.
He emphasized that the immense love he receives from his fans, STAY, serves as the fuel for his desire to help those who lack basic support systems.
Stray Kids’ Felix (Credit: YouTube)
A History of Record-Breaking Generosity
Felix’s commitment to humanitarian causes is backed by a consistent track record of high-value donations.
In 2023, he was inducted into the Honors Club, an organization recognizing donors who have contributed at least 30 million KRW.
By January 2024, his contributions to UNICEF reached 100 million KRW, making him the youngest member ever to be inducted into the prestigious UNICEF Honors Club.
His donation of 200 million KRW on his most recent birthday further solidifies his status as a champion for children’s rights and global health, ensuring that his legacy will be as much about his character as his music.
Inspiring a Global Movement
The impact of Felix’s actions extends far beyond the monetary value of his gifts. By openly discussing his motivations and experiences on a platform like “You Quiz on the Block,” he inspires millions of fans to consider how they can contribute to their own communities.
His philosophy that “the happiness you give comes back to you” resonates with a global audience, fostering a culture of empathy within the K-pop fandom.
As Felix continues to break records on the Billboard charts with Stray Kids, he remains grounded in his mission to spread love, proving that true success is measured by the lives one touches.
Looking Forward to 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, Felix stands as a beacon of hope and positivity. His story is a powerful reminder that fame and influence can be harnessed for the greater good.
Whether he is performing for sold-out crowds or volunteering in a remote village, his sincerity remains his most defining trait.
As he moves into 2026, fans can expect Felix to continue his dual journey of musical excellence and humanitarian leadership, forever leaving an indelible mark on the world through his “heart of gold.”
On December 25, 2025, aespa’s Winter stepped onto the red carpet for the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon, held at the Inspire Arena in Incheon.
This appearance was under intense scrutiny due to ongoing, unverified dating rumors involving BTS’s Jungkook.
The red carpet event, hosted by IVE’s Yujin, NCT’s Jaemin, and DAY6’s Young K, served as a platform for Winter to display a remarkably composed and professional demeanor.
Despite the noise surrounding her personal life, she navigated the photo call with a quiet elegance that many observers interpreted as a non-verbal response to the recent social media speculation.
Restrained Styling and Deliberate Concealment
Winter’s fashion choice for the evening was a masterclass in understated elegance. She opted for a light mint, sleeveless dress featuring a layered tulle skirt that moved gracefully as she walked.
Complementing the dress was her naturally straight hair and a soft, makeup-free-inspired look.
However, what truly caught the eyes of netizens and media alike was the deliberate way the dress and her movements seemed to conceal specific areas of her arms and wrists.
These locations had previously been highlighted by online speculators as the supposed sites of “couple tattoos” shared with Jungkook.
Interpreting the “Quiet Response”
Throughout her time on the red carpet, Winter’s movements were notably restrained. Observers pointed out that she kept her arm movements to a minimum, ensuring that the areas of interest remained naturally covered by the silhouette of her dress or her posture.
aespa’s Winter (Credit: YouTube)
While she offered no verbal remarks or official statements regarding the controversy, this “controlled” presence led many to believe she was being exceptionally cautious to avoid fueling further rumors.
The choice of a sleeveless dress that nonetheless managed to minimize exposure of the specific “tattoo sites” was viewed as a strategic styling decision intended to provide a sense of privacy without the need for a public confrontation.
The Genesis of the Dating Rumors
The rumors linking Winter and Jungkook first gained traction through alleged sighting accounts at various concerts and speculative “matching item” posts on social media.
The “couple tattoo” narrative became the primary focus of the debate, with fans and critics alike analyzing old photos and videos for any evidence of matching ink.
To date, neither SM Entertainment (aespa’s agency) nor BIGHIT MUSIC (BTS’s agency) has released an official statement confirming or denying the relationship.
This silence has only increased the public’s curiosity, making Winter’s every move at the Gayo Daejeon a subject of intense analysis.
Professionalism in the Spotlight
Despite the pressure of being at the center of a global K-pop controversy, Winter remained focused on her role as an artist.
Her ability to maintain her poise and deliver a stunning visual performance on the red carpet reinforced her reputation for professionalism.
Fans of aespa, known as MY, have largely been supportive, praising her for her calm handling of the situation and criticizing the invasive nature of the rumors.
By letting her presence and styling do the talking, Winter effectively reclaimed the narrative, shifting the focus back to her participation in one of the year’s most significant musical events.
Continuing the 2025 Season
As the 2025 award and festival season continues, Winter and aespa remain at the forefront of the industry.
The group’s participation in the SBS Gayo Daejeon followed a series of successful performances at other major year-end events, including the MMAs.
While the dating rumors may persist in online forums, Winter’s latest appearance has demonstrated her resilience and her commitment to her craft.
Moving into 2026, fans look forward to more music and performances from aespa, hoping that the focus will eventually return to the group’s artistic achievements rather than the personal lives of its members.
