BTS received the Presidential Commendation at the 5th Republic of Korea Good Donation Awards

 

The end of the year is traditionally known as awards season — a time to review and recognize the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations over the past twelve months. For K-pop fans, this comes as no surprise. This year, major events such as the Mnet Asian Music Awards, the Korea Grand Music Awards, and the Asia Music Awards have just wrapped up, with a long list of honors handed out to deserving artists.

However, for the past three years, BTS have largely been absent from these ceremonies as a group due to their military enlistment. As a result, ARMYs have seemed to pay less attention to Korea’s major award shows in recent years. That does not mean, however, that BTS are short of accolades — or that ARMYs cannot celebrate just like the majority of K-pop fans during this time of year.

On the contrary, ARMYs worldwide are expressing immense pride as BTS were recently recognized by none other than South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung.

On December 8, South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that at the 5th “Korea Good Donation Awards,” held the same day at the Korea Advertising Culture Hall in Seoul, a total of 20 awards were presented, including commendations from the President, the Prime Minister, and the Ministry. BTS were revealed as one of this year’s honorees.

The “Korea Good Donation Awards” highlight corporations, organizations, and individuals who promote a culture of sharing and compassion within local communities, thereby encouraging the development of philanthropy nationwide. This year’s recipients represent figures from various sectors who have contributed consistently and systematically to charitable engagement on both local and national levels. Among them were seven individuals and 13 corporations or organizations.

BTS were among the most distinguished honorees, receiving a Presidential Citation. The citation recognizes BTS for their global “Love Myself” donation campaign, which has helped spread a culture of sharing on the international stage. Since 2017, BTS have partnered with the United Nations in initiatives aimed at raising awareness of violence against children, improving mental health literacy, and supporting welfare and counseling services for child victims of violence in 155 countries.

Beyond that, BTS have consistently donated substantial sums every year to numerous domestic organizations across various fields, including education, healthcare, culture, and even military-related causes. Several BTS members are long-time members of major charity networks such as UNICEF Korea’s Honors Club and the Green Noble Club. Notably, their philanthropic efforts have also inspired fans, driving wider public participation in charitable activities.

This year, BTS were honored alongside prominent figures in philanthropy, including veteran actress Go Doo-shim, business leader Yoon Young-soo, as well as companies such as Samsung Electronics, Sunjin Entech, Dong-A Pharmaceutical, and SCK Company, among others.

Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung stated, “Your warm-hearted generosity has become a driving force that strengthens our society as a healthier community. The government will continue working to build a positive cycle in which charitable giving becomes a daily culture and contributes to the overall happiness of society.”

Following the news, social media was flooded with messages of pride from fans, celebrating BTS not only as K-pop superstars but as global figures known for their compassion and meaningful social influence.

ARMYs comments:

1. This is amazing! So incredibly proud of them for using their platform to do so much good in the world. Well deserved! 

2. There is always a rainbow after the rain. Such a good day for ARMYs. Congrats to our boys. 

3. In the midst if all the drama too... Oh, Godtan Sonyeondan, I getbwhy they're targeting you. 

4. BTS will never be the bad guys f*ckass K-pop p stans want them to be. No ammount of hate on social media will change the fact that absolutely nobody is actually canceling them in real life. 

5. So fckin proud to love and be loved by seven inspirational, kind human beings. 

6. Hate campaigns have nothing on BTS outside of social media because they're genuinely good people with good morals and intentions. They will always be known as good people who have always worked toward helping others. I'm so proud to support a group like BTS. 

7. No matter how many hate trains they make against BTS, the purple boys will always win in the end. 

8. You can say whatever you want about them, but they will always shine as the beautiful human beings they are. So proud of our boys.

9. When you're being canceled but receiving a presidential commendation. Our kings. 

10. Omg. Well-deserved congratulations to Bangtan. This heals us so much these days.