A global blood donation campaign led by K-pop boy band ENHYPEN attracted around 10,000 participants across South Korea, Japan and Singapore.
Belift Lab, the group’s agency, announced the figures on Friday. The campaign brought together ENHYPEN fans, known as Engenes, to support blood donation.
The figures came during a meeting between the six ENHYPEN members and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Seoul.
South Korea recorded 7,730 blood donations between January 16 and 25. The total included 1,031 first-time donors. That figure was around 19 times higher than the level recorded before the campaign.
Vampire-themed drive spreads to Japan, Singapore
The drive was launched in January alongside the release of the group’s seventh extended play, “The Sin: Vanish.”
Building on the vampire theme running through the band’s storyline, ENHYPEN teamed up with the Korean Red Cross.
Donation buses were dispatched to places where fans gather, and online events were organised for participants across the country.
The campaign was later extended to Japan and Singapore.
“We started the campaign hoping the people who support us would join, and we’re grateful that Engenes around the world took part,” the band said.
“We want to keep making meaningful changes together with our fans.” Engene is the name of the group’s fan base.
WHO chief praises members, says he’s a fan
Belift Lab, a label under HYBE Music Group, said the members, Jungwon, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo and Ni-ki, met Tedros on Thursday at HYBE’s headquarters in Yongsan District, central Seoul.
Officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Korean Red Cross Blood Services were also present.
Tedros pointed out that many patients who need transfusions are unable to obtain safe blood in time, and he commended the members for donating blood themselves.
“Blood is the most precious gift anyone can give to another person – the gift of life. I’m proud of all the members of ENHYPEN for working with WHO and committing to encouraging blood donation and saving lives,” he said.
“The last campaign was a great success, reaching millions of people. ENHYPEN and Engene have real power to influence the world. I’m your fan, too,” Tedros added.
In June, the group also took part in a WHO campaign for World Blood Donor Day, raising awareness on the importance of safe blood supplies and donating blood themselves through released content on their official channel.
‘Blood Saga’ tour rolls on after Billboard No.1
On the musical side, ENHYPEN has been rocking stages both at home and abroad while topping global music charts with their recent comeback.
The band kicked off its “Blood Saga” world tour in May with a three-day concert at Seoul’s KSPO Dome and dropped its eighth mini album, “The Sin: Bliss,” in August.
September 5 became memorable for the group after their recent compilation swiftly found its way to the top of the Billboard 200, marking their No.1 debut on the chart.
The tour continues with shows in Japan and Indonesia before commencing their Europe leg.
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