Idol group Stray Kids’ members Bang Chan, Lee Know, and I.N recently brightened a hospital school, serving as one-day teachers and sharing heartfelt warmth through a special social content initiative.
Since 2023, JYP Entertainment (JYP) has championed its ESG management initiatives through the ‘JYP 4 EARTH’ social content series. This impactful campaign showcases JYP artists actively participating in various endeavors for a better Earth, promoting a positive vision for a sustainable society. On the 18th, JYP’s official YouTube channel unveiled Stray Kids’ ‘Dreaming Hospital School’ video. This special content is a part of the ‘Every Dream Matters! (EDM)’ volunteer program, featuring barrier-free subtitles personally crafted by JYP employees, ensuring wider accessibility and enjoyment for all viewers.
Bang Chan, Lee Know, and I.N visited the hospital school at Samsung Medical Center, a valued partner of JYP’s ‘Every Dream Matters! (EDM)’ domestic treatment cost support program since 2020. The three members, who previously made a significant donation to child patients at Samsung Medical Center for their birthdays last year, poured their hearts into creating a special and meaningful experience for the students. Through engaging conversations with the principal and an interactive O/X quiz for their one-day teacher appointment, the members gained a profound understanding of hospital schools: “institutions established within hospitals for students unable to attend regular school due to medical treatment, providing not only education but also a space for children of various ages to connect and find emotional stability.” Subsequently, they collaborated with volunteer teachers to prepare lessons, personally decorated the classroom, and warmly greeted the students with a mix of excitement and anticipation.
The day’s curriculum was structured around English, art, and letter writing, all inspired by “Youtiful,” a beloved track from Stray Kids’ 3rd full-length album ‘★★★★★ (5-STAR).’ This song carries the profound message, “You are beautiful just the way you are.” Bang Chan expertly led the English segment, delving into the meaning of “Youtiful,” guiding students through the lyrics, and explaining them clearly to help each child identify their favorite lines. Lee Know then spearheaded the engaging art class. Students, selecting lines that resonated deeply with them, crafted unique baking drawing keychains, either by writing their chosen words or illustrating them. The keychains showcased touching lyrics such as “I am sure that I see the universe in your eyes” and “You are Youtiful,” alongside heartwarming depictions of favorite foods and family sentiments.
To conclude the session, I.N guided the students through a heartfelt letter-writing activity. The three Stray Kids members thoughtfully assisted the children in identifying important people in their lives and crafting messages of gratitude, deeply moved by the students’ earnest engagement. The students expressed their thanks to their mothers, social workers, and even the production staff. A particularly touching moment occurred when a student, whose treatment was made possible by Lee Know’s previous donation, personally handed a thank-you letter directly to Lee Know. The members reciprocated the warmth, saying, “It was our first time as teachers, and we’re so grateful you participated enthusiastically. This feels like the happiest day.”
The children joyfully concluded the class, exclaiming, “‘Youtiful’ is such a beautiful word, and we had so much fun today! We want to eat well, sleep well, get all our treatments, and meet you again when we’re healthy. Stray Kids, fighting!” I.N shared his heartfelt sentiments, stating, “I think I was the one who received more profound inspiration. I will strive to be a singer who can continually give dreams and hope to children.” Bang Chan reflected, “Perhaps it was reading the letters the students wrote, but I felt a unique and strong emotional connection. It truly feels like an unforgettable moment, and I genuinely wish to return.” Lee Know added, “It was such a wonderful day. I sincerely hope these children don’t suffer, that all their illnesses disappear, and they become perfectly healthy.”
In other news, Stray Kids recently commanded the stage as headliners at the prestigious ‘The Governors Ball Music Festival’ in the United States on June 6th (local time), captivating an immense crowd of over 45,000 attendees. Looking ahead, the group is set to perform at Brazil’s ‘Rock in Rio’ in September, and will also launch their brand-new, Stray Kids-led festival series, ‘STRAYCITY,’ across three regions in Latin America.
