What happens when one of the largest K-pop groups on the planet chooses to not only step out of the limelight but make lasting change? How can music Idols transform their notoriety into life altering change? And if somehow their success can spur millions of young people to continue to pursue their dreams?
On August 12, 2025, SEVENTEEN reaffirmed their social legacy, which trump the music world, in a celebration of World Youth Day. The group partnered with UNESCO, donating an incredible 350 million won (~$250,000) from the charity auction “Jupiter Presents: Sakai x SEVENTEEN,” which will help solidify the Global Youth Grant Scheme, to support the creative work, education, and general well-being of youth worldwide.
SEVENTEEN’s $250K Donation to Empower Global Youth
Occasion & Date: On August 12, 2025, SEVENTEEN turned their impact into action to mark World Youth Day. The money was raised from the charity auction “Jupiter Presents: Sakai x SEVENTEEN,” an unprecedented and artistic collaboration to promote the value of the arts, and music, through philanthropy. The outcome was a monumental effort that raised 350 million won (~$250,000) for a meaningful purpose that is especially meaningful for the group.
Objective of the Fund: In this instance, your contribution will be directly for, and augment the Global Youth Grant Scheme. a collaborative venture being initiated by SEVENTEEN and UNESCO. The Global Youth Grant Scheme aims to engage and empower young people around the world through projects that value creativity, improve education, and impact well-being.
SEVENTEEN, by donating charitable funds, is investing in the dreams, ambitions, and futures of future generations; they are giving their voice to the hope, potential, and genuine spirits of all young people because they will be acknowledged, valued, and celebrated internally and externally.
SEVENTEEN’s Statement
Through their agency Pledis Entertainment, SEVENTEEN delivered a heartfelt note to mark the occasion:
“Since our debut, we have grown by expressing the diverse moments of youth with music that infuses honest experiences and emotions, so the meaning of World Youth Day is even more special. We send a message of support to all the young people around the world who are still pursuing their dreams.”
For the group, World Youth Day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of ambition, resilience, and hope. Their message resonates beyond their fanbase, connecting with every young aspirant who is endeavoring to confront the challenges while chasing their ambitions. Through music-based actions, SEVENTEEN keeps alerting the world of youth not just as a phase but as a force for change.
SEVENTEEN’s Long-standing Ties with UNESCO
2023 UNESCO Youth Forum Appearance: SEVENTEEN had a sparkly historical moment as the first K-pop artists ever invited to the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held in Paris, France. SEVENTEEN’s powerful performance completely stunned the audience, followed by a thought-provoking speech on youth empowerment, meaningful cultural connection, and using creativity to nurture a hopeful future. This didn’t just write itself into history – it presented a cultural link between celebrity-pop culture and UNESCO’s education and culture research and development.
SEVENTEEN become UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador: In a year from now, 2024, SEVENTEEN’s commitment was solidified when they were officially named UNESCO’s first Youth Goodwill Ambassador. As part of this status, the group donated the massive sum of $1,000,000 (₩1.4 billion) for a fund to support creativity, education, and well-being for young people around the world. This partnership anchored SEVENTEEN’s image as much more than entertainers — they are global figures of youth empowerment and positive change.
Impact of SEVENTEEN’s Philanthropy
SEVENTEEN’s generous donations offer invaluable support to causes beyond simply monetary donations, as they have become a brilliant source of motivation for millions of fans and youth around the world. SEVENTEEN demonstrate that global success can be used to help worthwhile causes, and convey to the world’s youth that fame can elevate critical causes.
Their acts supporting the next generation of youth through varying degrees of education, creative plans, and wellbeing initiatives galvanize fans to want to participate in charity work, raise funds and alternative social campaigns. Numerous CARATs (SEVENTEEN’s fandom) have even initiated their own charity campaigns/projects on behalf of the group, stimulating a chain of kindness and social responsibility.
SEVENTEEN are role models in the K-pop industry — demonstrating that global influence highlights a responsibility to give. Their actions establish an expectation for other artists to actively participate in providing better options for others, demonstrate the power of music, conviction, and philanthropy and create sustainable change.
What’s Next for SEVENTEEN
After delivering a significant act of philanthropy, SEVENTEEN is moving on to their scheduled world tour, which begins on September 13–14, 2025, at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. The tour is expected to draw enormous crowds locally and abroad, and fans have eagerly anticipated this chance to see their live performance.
With SEVENTEEN’s rising global prominence — not just as artists, but as champions for the youth — it is likely that this tour will carry significance outside of music. To many fans, concerts will reflect appreciation for both their artistry and humanitarianistic gestures.
With stops expected in major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the group’s performances are expected to evoke celebration, cultural connection, and inspiration in audiences around the world — reinforcing their status as one of the most powerful forces in K-pop.
Conclusion
From global music icons, to agents of change, SEVENTEEN continues to show us that they are more than just music, as their donation of 350 million won for World Youth Day demonstrates their real desire to equip young people with impact, and change in the world. Despite preparing for their world tour, they don’t just have music, they have a message of hope, possibility and inspiration.
