On August 13, 2025, PLEDIS Entertainment officially announced that global K-pop sensation SEVENTEEN has made a $250,000 donation to UNESCO in honor of International Youth Day, which is celebrated annually on August 12.
This meaningful contribution was made possible through proceeds generated by the recent “JOOPITER Presents: sacai x SEVENTEEN” charity auction.
SEVENTEEN’s gesture goes beyond a financial transaction; it is a sincere expression of the group’s commitment to youth development and global citizenship.
The group continues to utilize their platform not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about social issues, particularly those affecting young people around the world.
Celebrating Youth Through Music and Meaning
In their statement regarding the donation, SEVENTEEN shared how deeply connected they feel to the meaning of International Youth Day. They said:
“Since our debut, we have grown by capturing the diverse moments of youth through music that reflects our sincere experiences and emotions, making the meaning of International Youth Day especially significant to us.”
Their words reflect the central philosophy behind much of their artistic work: giving voice to the dreams, struggles, joys, and growth experienced during youth.
Over the years, SEVENTEEN has become a symbol of perseverance, authenticity, and self-expression for millions of young fans worldwide.
From relatable lyrics to emotionally charged performances, their music frequently touches on themes of self-doubt, hope, and the journey to find one’s purpose—all of which resonate deeply with their fanbase.
The group added a heartfelt message to young people globally:
“We send our support to all young people around the world who are still pursuing their dreams.”
How the Donation Was Made: JOOPITER x sacai x SEVENTEEN
The $250,000 donation was made possible through a unique collaboration between JOOPITER, sacai, and SEVENTEEN. JOOPITER, a global online auction platform founded by music and fashion entrepreneur Pharrell Williams, partnered with Japanese high-fashion brand sacai and SEVENTEEN to create a charity auction.
This auction featured rare items and exclusive merchandise related to the group, drawing attention from fans and collectors alike.
The initiative blended fashion, music, and philanthropy, successfully raising a significant amount for a meaningful cause.
Proceeds from the auction were then directly funneled into youth-focused projects via UNESCO.
SEVENTEEN and UNESCO: A Partnership Built on Purpose
This is not SEVENTEEN’s first collaboration with UNESCO. In fact, their ongoing relationship with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization highlights their consistent efforts to give back to global youth communities.
In 2023, SEVENTEEN became the first K-pop group ever invited to speak and perform at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
Their presence at the forum was groundbreaking and symbolized a new form of diplomacy—one rooted in culture, music, and youth engagement.
Recognizing their influence and commitment, UNESCO named SEVENTEEN as its first-ever Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth in 2024.
As part of their ambassadorship, the group made a $1 million donation that year to support creative and educational programs benefiting young people globally.
Their partnership with UNESCO emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and hope as core tools for youth empowerment.
Impacting Lives Through More Than Just Music
SEVENTEEN’s dedication to social causes goes far beyond symbolic actions. By donating significant sums and actively participating in global events, they are showing the world that celebrity influence can be a powerful force for good.
Their efforts encourage fans—many of whom are young people themselves—to take part in community building, advocacy, and volunteerism.
This recent donation of $250,000, tied to International Youth Day, comes at a time when global youth face numerous challenges, including mental health struggles, education inequality, unemployment, and displacement due to conflict or climate crises.
By investing in organizations like UNESCO, SEVENTEEN is helping to ensure that young people around the world have greater access to opportunities, support systems, and creative outlets.
A Legacy of Meaningful Action
SEVENTEEN’s consistent advocacy for youth empowerment sets them apart in an industry often driven by commercial success alone.
While their music continues to top charts globally, it is their ability to use fame to fuel positive change that truly defines their legacy.
In a world that increasingly values authenticity, social responsibility, and cultural contribution, SEVENTEEN is emerging not just as artists but as role models.
Their partnership with UNESCO and their generous donations reflect a genuine desire to uplift, inspire, and support the next generation.
