K-pop group SEVENTEEN performs at its 2026 Japan fan meeting, "YAKUSOKU," at Tokyo Dome, May 13. The nine-member lineup took the stage without Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Woozi and Hoshi, who are currently on a hiatus while fulfilling Korea's mandatory military service requirement. Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment

K-pop boy band SEVENTEEN has marked its 11th debut anniversary with a donation to support underprivileged students in Laos.

The Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) announced Tuesday that the boy band made the donation for its Bridge Programme, which will help Laotian students with primary school diplomas to attend secondary school. Although secondary education is free of charge, few kids enroll because of miscelleneous fees, which they can't afford. The donation amount was not disclosed.

"We are deeply grateful for SEVENTEEN's continued support since 2022," KNCU Secretary-General Hong Hyun-ik said in a statement. "This contribution will help marginalized learners in Laos access public secondary education and build a better future."

The donation is part of an initiative that dates back to August 2022, when Pledis Entertainment, SEVENTEEN's management label, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the KNCU to launch the #GoingTogether campaign, aimed at closing educational gaps in underserved communities.

The partnership has since grown considerably in scope. In November 2023, a trilateral MOU between Pledis Entertainment, UNESCO headquarters and the KNCU elevated it to a global initiative, with SEVENTEEN hosting a dedicated session at the UNESCO Youth Forum. On the ground, the campaign has funded the construction of two community learning centers in Timor-Leste and backed education programs in Malawi.

In recognition of these efforts, SEVENTEEN was appointed the first-ever UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth in June 2024.

SEVENTEEN, a 13-member multinational boy group, debuted on May 26, 2015, marking its 11th anniversary Tuesday. Known for music featuring infectious hooks and high-energy choreography, the group has carved out a distinctive niche in K-pop with a steady stream of hits including "ADORE U," "VERY NICE," "MAESTRO" and "THUNDER."

Source: Korea Times News