MUSIC
TWICE Donates to Hong Kong Fire Relief Efforts Ahead of Historic Concert
JYP Entertainment announced on Weibo on the 4th that "TWICE has donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $128,500) through Hong Kong World Vision." The donation will be used for emergency relief activities, including providing temporary housing, psychological support, educational assistance, and livelihood support for affected children and residents.
The statement continued, "Ahead of becoming the first K-pop girl group to perform at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on the 6th and 7th, TWICE has decided to proceed with the concert after deep discussions and careful consideration of the grave situation. They will perform with a heavy heart and deep condolences."
The fire occurred on the afternoon of the 26th of last month at the 32-story apartment complex 'Wong Fuk Tai' in northern Hong Kong's Tai Po. At the time, maintenance work was underway in the complex, and the fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials like styrofoam covering windows and nets that did not meet fire resistance standards. The death toll from the fire has been reported as 159.
Full Weibo Statement:
Hello, this is JYP Entertainment.
We are deeply saddened by the recent fire in Hong Kong. All members of TWICE are also feeling great sorrow. TWICE has donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars to Hong Kong World Vision to support emergency relief, including providing temporary housing and psychological support for affected children and residents.
We sincerely hope that all affected residents can overcome their pain and regain stability as soon as possible, and we express our deepest condolences to the victims. We also pay deep respect to the rescue workers who remained dedicated in the face of crisis.
Regarding the TWICE concert scheduled in Hong Kong from December 6th to 7th, we have had in-depth discussions and careful considerations about whether it is appropriate to proceed with the concert in such a mournful situation. After continuous monitoring of the local situation and several consultations with the organizer Live Nation, we have decided to proceed with the concert as originally planned at Kai Tak Stadium. We will prepare and operate the concert with the utmost solemnity, given the weight of this decision.
Once again, we express our deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in the unfortunate accident, and we offer heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and all those experiencing great difficulties due to this fire. We sincerely hope for a swift stabilization of the situation and recovery of the affected area.
We stand with Hong Kong in our hearts and will overcome this difficulty together.
Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr
