HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk has donated ₩5 billion KRW (approx. $3.6 million USD) to his alma mater, Seoul National University, supporting the complete reconstruction of its iconic cultural center.
🏛️ SNU Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Cultural Complex
On July 3, SNU will hold a "Cultural Hall Farewell & Groundbreaking Ceremony" at 6 PM at its Gwanak campus, marking both the decommissioning of the old venue and the start of a new cultural and arts complex.
The event will be attended by professors, students, and major donors and their families. Though Bang will not be present due to overseas business commitments, his contribution remains central to the project.
Bang's donation, made in January 2023, was part of a larger effort to transform SNU's Cultural Hall—originally built in 1984—into a state-of-the-art hub for performances, exhibitions, and creative education.
💬 "I Hope This Sparks a Cycle of Giving"
"I've learned firsthand how the support of a community helps individuals grow," Bang said in a statement.
"I hope this becomes part of a virtuous cycle where future generations, in turn, give back to society."
🌱 A Track Record of Generosity
Bang has consistently supported philanthropic causes, with his cumulative donations exceeding ₩10 billion since 2020.
Notable contributions include:
- ₩5 billion to Community Chest of Korea in 2022 to support the education of underprivileged female youth.
- ₩200 million to Save the Children for emergency relief in Turkey and Syria.
- ₩50 million to the Yoo Jae-ha Music Scholarship Foundation to support emerging musicians.
- ₩200 million to the SNU Business School Startup Fund, created using the prize money from his Pony Chung Innovation Award.
🎶 The Vision for the New Cultural Center
The newly rebuilt SNU Cultural Center will include:
- A 1,000-seat vineyard-style concert hall, where the audience surrounds the stage.
- A 300-seat black-box theater, with dark interiors designed for flexibility and experimental works.
- Gallery and community spaces aligned with SNU's Commons Strategy, positioning the venue as a hub for interdisciplinary and cultural learning.
The project is slated for completion in late 2028.
