Stray Kids, Aespa and Other K-pop Stars Donate to Aid Victims of Hong Kong Tower Fire

K-pop acts including girl group aespa and boy band Stray Kids have pledged financial support for victims of a devastating apartment fire in Hong Kong that authorities say killed at least 128 people. (Reporting on the blaze: AP News.)

aespa announced on their official Weibo account that they will donate 500,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $64,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Stray Kids said they will provide 1,000,000 Hong Kong dollars (roughly $129,000) through World Vision Hong Kong to help fund temporary housing and support services for affected families, especially children, calling the news “very heavy-hearted.”

Two of South Korea’s largest agencies, SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment, together contributed 3,000,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately $385,000) to emergency relief and recovery efforts.

Other groups have also donated: boy bands RIIZE, EXO-CBX and KickFlip each contributed toward a collective 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $12,900) routed through World Vision Hong Kong.

The annual MAMA AWARDS, scheduled for November 28–29, 2025 in Hong Kong, drew criticism online from some in South Korea who felt the event should be postponed in light of the fire. Organizers said they would cancel red carpet activities for both days while proceeding with the main ceremony.

CJ E&M issued a statement offering condolences to the victims and announced the awards would include a “Support Hong Kong” message and a moment of mourning. The company also pledged 20,000,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $2.6 million) to the relief fund established by the Hong Kong government, emphasizing faith in music’s ability to bring comfort and solidarity.

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