Ateez's Hongjoong donates 50 million won to fight childhood cancer

Hongjoong of boy band Ateez [KQ ENTERTAINMET]

Boy band Ateez's Hongjoong donated 50 million won ($38,680) to the Korea Childhood Leukemia Foundation to help children diagnosed with cancer or other incurable diseases, the foundation said Friday.

The money came from ticket sales for the singer's photo exhibition titled “Walker A,” which was held from Nov. 3 through Nov. 9 to celebrate his birthday that falls on Nov. 7. Hongjoong also added money from his own pocket, according to the foundation.

The donation was made under the name “Hongjoong and Atiny,” to commemorate the band’s official fan club, Atiny.

“I'm thankful that I can return the love I received from my fans in a meaningful way,” Hongjoong said in a news release.

“I hope that the children will not have to stop fighting their cancer due to financial difficulties, and I hope they dream of a bright future.”

He also donated 10 million to the international relief and development nongovernmental organization World Vision in November 2022.

Ateez debuted in 2018 under KQ Entertainment. It has eight members: Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung and Jongho. The group's name stands for “A TEEnager Z,” implying that they are a group of teenagers who can do everything, from A to Z. Its ninth and latest EP “The World Ep. 2: Outlaw” was released on June 16.

To find out more about Hongjoong and Ateez, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]