HYBE Pledges Over $300k for Colombia Earthquake Recovery
The funds will help address the immediate needs of affected communities while supporting longer-term recovery.
HYBE, the South Korean entertainment company responsible for K-pop sensations BTS and others, has pledged an estimated $300,000 to aid earthquake relief efforts in Colombia. The contribution, made through HYBE America on behalf of the parent company, will be managed by Fundación Ábaco, a Colombian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting affected communities following emergencies and humanitarian crises. The donation aims to address immediate needs while fostering long-term recovery as damaged areas begin rebuilding.
On August 10, a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and widespread destruction. As of August 16, authorities reported 289 deaths, 143 missing individuals, nearly 4,000 injuries, and over 14,000 homes completely destroyed. Relief organizations have been actively conducting search-and-rescue operations and distributing essential supplies, such as food, medical aid, and emergency provisions, across the affected regions in the days following the disaster.
HYBE's donation is rooted in its existing relationships with Colombia and Medellín specifically. The company, led by chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, has been involved in the city's local music industry, including Medellín Music Lab, a public initiative supported by the mayor's office to nurture emerging talent and facilitate connections between young artists and the broader music business.
Furthermore, Isaac Lee, HYBE America's chairman/CEO, is Colombian, and his oversight includes HYBE's operations in Mexico, Miami, and Medellín, as well as investments with Universal Music Group in artists like KATSEYE.
This donation underscores HYBE's expanding presence in Latin America through its U.S.-based division, HYBE America. The company has increasingly invested in the region as part of its global growth strategy, capitalizing on the worldwide commercial success of its roster, which includes global K-pop powerhouse BTS. The Latin American push has also encompassed dedicated initiatives to develop regional talent.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
