K-pop fans found Baltimore’s BTS — and helped keep it open
Fans of the K-pop group BTS raised over $13,000 for a Baltimore nonprofit that provides after-school wrestling and support programs. The donation was inspired by a shared acronym and the fans' desire to support underprivileged youth.
Why it matters
This demonstrates the significant real-world impact of organized fan communities and their ability to mobilize resources for local social causes.
Lydell Henry was not very familiar with BTS, beyond the fact that his daughters enjoyed the K-pop group’s music.
Now the West Baltimore native’s nonprofit organization can thank the global superstars’ fans for helping to keep the lights on with an unexpected donation.
In a match made in acronymic heaven, BTS fans — known collectively as the BTS ARMY — have raised more than $13,000 for Beat the Streets Baltimore . Like its chapters around the country, the nonprofit organization’s Maryland location teaches wrestling and provides after-school support to low-income students in grades 3 through 12.
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