A brief but magical encounter between BTS’s Jimin and a 10-year-old girl undergoing cancer treatment has inspired fans to donate nearly $100,000 to Heroes for Children, a nonprofit organization.
“What began as a few seconds between Jimin and Olivya has created a much larger conversation about helping children and families,” Natalie Bruegger, a senior director of events and marketing at Heroes for Children, told the JoongAng Ilbo in an email interview on Aug. 18.
The encounter between Jimin and Olivya has rallied BTS’s fandom, collectively known as ARMY. As of Monday afternoon, a campaign run by Heroes for Children had reached about 93 percent of its $100,000 goal, equivalent to roughly 128 million won.
“The response has been far beyond anything we expected!” Bruegger wrote. “People have been sharing Olivya’s story, asking about Heroes for Children and looking for ways to support other children with cancer.”
The moment took place during BTS’s “Arirang” world tour concert in Arlington, Texas, on Aug. 15.
While performing “Go Go” (2017), Jimin approached Olivya in the audience, kissed her on the cheek, hugged her and gave her a gift.
A video capturing the encounter quickly spread on social media, drawing more than 5 million views in less than 24 hours.
Olivya was one of five pediatric cancer patients invited to the concert, according to Bruegger. Their families were invited as well, and the group watched the show from the VIP section. UnitedHealthcare, a U.S. health insurance company, sponsored the visit.
Olivya has been undergoing treatment for more than a year.
“For many of the children, it was their first concert [ever], which made the opportunity even more meaningful,” Bruegger said. “It was a special opportunity for them to spend time together, enjoy the music and take a break from the daily challenges of childhood cancer.”
Olivya, her family and the nonprofit team did not know that the singer would approach her.
“The moment was completely unexpected! No one from our team or Olivya’s family knew that Jimin would come directly to her,” Bruegger wrote.
“Olivya was overwhelmed with happiness,” she added. “She could not believe that Jimin had come to her, hugged her […] and given her a gift. Her family was incredibly emotional.”
Olivya’s mother also shared her gratitude through the organization.
“Olivya was so excited,” her mother said.
“She is very inspiring and encouraging. She never lets herself feel different or self-conscious because she has no hair. You can see it in her smile. No words could ever express how grateful I am.”
For Heroes for Children, the encounter also reflected the importance it places on providing meaningful social support for children whose lives are often dominated by cancer treatment.
“For our team, the moment was also a powerful reminder of why social experiences are so important,” Bruegger wrote. “We know we cannot change what these children are going through, but we can help create moments of happiness in the middle of it.”
Heroes for Children was founded in 2004 by two mothers whose daughters had cancer. The nonprofit supports children and young adults with cancer — through age 22 — and their families across Texas.
Bruegger also expressed her gratitude to Jimin.
“Thank you for giving Olivya a moment of happiness that she will remember for the rest of her life,” she wrote. “His actions have inspired people around the world to learn about childhood cancer and support families who are facing it.”
