The SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Globe, one of Metro Manila’s most iconic landmarks, lit up again in celebration of BTS member Kim Seokjin’s 30th birthday! Organized by Filipino BTS fans under the "Eat Jin Campaign," the LED tribute became a radiant display of love and admiration from the PH ARMY community. From 6 p.m. to 12 p.m., the MOA Globe featured a series of synchronized LED animation, the display looped in intervals, drawing the attention of mall-goers, motorists, and passersby throughout the evening.
The MOA Globe sits at one of the busiest intersections in the Bay City area, with an estimated 150,000 vehicles passing through the area daily and over 200,000 people frequenting the mall during weekends and holidays. With its 360-degree visibility and prime location, the LED feature served not only as a fan celebration but also as a striking urban installation that amplified BTS's reach in the Philippines.
The project was funded by BTS ARMY, sponsors/donors pooled resources through crowdfunding platforms and social media promotions. The event also marked Jin’s last birthday before his mandatory military service, adding emotional significance to the tribute. As fans await his return, such celebrations have become meaningful touchpoints of connection, solidarity, and hope.
In celebration of BTS member Kim Seokjin’s 30th birthday, the Eat Jin Campaign launched a heartfelt donation drive aimed at making a difference in the lives of children facing some of the most difficult battles. The campaign, inspired by Jin’s kindness and compassion, brought fans together for a shared purpose-to give back in his honor.
Thanks to the overwhelming support from fans and generous individuals, the campaign successfully raised a total of ₱70,000, which was donated to Bahay Aruga, a free halfway house in Manila that provides shelter and care for pediatric cancer patients undergoing treatment in nearby government hospitals.
The donation was thoughtfully allocated to meet both the immediate and practical needs of the children and their families. ₱50,000 was used to prepare and distribute Christmas baskets filled with food, daily essentials, and small gifts, bringing warmth and joy to the children during the holiday season. The remaining ₱20,000 was dedicated to covering a portion of the foundation’s electricity bill, helping ensure a safe, well-lit, and comfortable environment for the patients and their caregivers.
Bahay Aruga plays a vital role in supporting children with cancer, many of whom come from distant provinces and could not otherwise afford accommodation in Manila. By offering free lodging and support services, the foundation eases the emotional and financial burden on families as they accompany their children through treatment.
This charitable effort was more than just a tribute to a beloved artist—it was a reflection of the values he inspires in his fans. By turning a birthday celebration into an opportunity for outreach, Jin's fans reminded everyone of the power of collective kindness.
"Jin has always shown us what it means to lead with empathy. This was our way of continuing that example and giving back to those who need it most." – Eat Jin Campaign
Through this initiative, fans have not only honored Seokjin’s legacy but have also brought light and comfort to children in need. It’s a touching example of how fandoms can come together for real, meaningful impact—proof that compassion, when shared, can ripple far beyond any celebration. Moments like these remind us that love for an artist can be transformed into action that uplifts entire communities. This act of giving stands as a powerful reminder that even the simplest gestures, when done with sincerity, can create lasting change in the lives of others.
SAVING KORE'S HOME
In honor of BTS member Jin’s 30th birthday, Eat Jin Campaign launched a meaningful environmental project titled “Saving Kore’s Home,” inspired by Jin’s love for fishing and the whale he named "Kore". BTS’s Jin first introduced the adorable whale character "Kore"—a name derived from “korae” (고래), the Korean word for “whale”—on April 10, 2019, during a BangtanTV segment where the members drew while talking about their “IDOL” music video. This fan-led initiative focuses on marine conservation through the symbolic adoption of whales and coral reefs.
“Saving Kore’s Home” isn’t just a birthday tribute—it’s a meaningful step toward a better planet. By connecting Jin’s personal passions with real-world impact, his fans have shown how love for an artist can inspire collective action. From the Eat Jin Campaign to individual supporters around the globe, ARMYs are proving that fan-led initiatives can raise awareness, fund conservation, and bring positive change to pressing global environmental issues.
As part of the celebration, the campaign adopted two humpback whales from Babuyan Island, Philippines, naming them Kim Seok Jin and Wootteo-Jin's self created cartoon character as part of the promotional campaign for his solo single “The Astronaut”. Symbolically adopting whales supports efforts to create a safer, healthier ocean habitat where whales can thrive freely. The Babuyan Islands are home to a small, vulnerable population of humpback whales that migrate through Philippine waters each year. These waters are critical breeding and feeding grounds, but they are under increasing pressure from human activity.
Whale adoption programs are designed to raise awareness and generate funding for vital conservation work. By symbolically adopting whales, supporters help finance scientific research, monitoring programs, and education initiatives aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures from threats such as illegal hunting, ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and climate change.
In addition, fans adopted two coral reefs from Hatamin Island, Indonesia, lovingly named "Moon" and "The Astronaut"—a tribute to Jin’s solo works and his signature celestial themes. While coral reefs make up less than 1% of the ocean floor, they are among the most vital and diverse ecosystems on the planet.
Coral reef adoption programs allow individuals and groups to symbolically “adopt” a section of reef, providing crucial funding for marine biologists and conservation teams working to restore damaged reefs and monitor their health. These efforts often include coral planting, research on climate change impact, and educational outreach to local communities and schools. In regions like Hatamin Island, where reef degradation has become a serious concern due to rising sea temperatures, pollution, and overfishing, such support is urgently needed.
In celebration of Jin’s 30th Birthday, Eat Jin Campaign held a Cupsleeve Event at Unocha Tea Shop on December 4, 2022. This special gathering brought together fans to honor Jin’s milestone birthday in a cozy and memorable setting, filled with joy, warmth, and shared appreciation for the artist who continues to inspire millions.
To start the celebration on a sweet note, the first 35 ARMYs who arrived were treated to complimentary drinks, generously sponsored by Nemia S. The gesture added an extra layer of excitement and gratitude, setting the tone for an afternoon full of love and community spirit.
The kits were thoughtfully curated and inspired by Jin’s solo release “The Astronaut”, capturing the warmth, wonder, and comforting presence reflected in the song—giving fans a little piece of the universe to take home. From snapping photos with fellow ARMYs to sharing stories and singing along, the event was filled with laughter, connection, and the pure fun of celebrating Jin together.
Beyond just a celebration, the Cupsleeve event embodied the spirit of connection and kindness that Jin represents. It wasn’t just about giveaways or drinks—it was about creating a moment to pause, appreciate, and share joy with one another in honor of someone who continues to touch hearts across the world.
Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this day special. Here’s to more gatherings filled with love, laughter, and the magic of celebrating together.
Contact Eat Jin Campaign after donating for tracking purposes, please include your working email as proof/transparency of the project will be send via your email as well as your certificate of donations within 1-3 business days!
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