In celebration of his birthday on September 17, 2026, GOT7 member Youngjae made a meaningful charitable contribution by donating 10 million won (approximately $7,500 USD) to Rainbow Shelter, an abandoned dog protection facility operated by the non-profit organization Korean Dogs.
According to his agency and media reports, Youngjae expressed a personal wish to mark his birthday by extending support to animals in urgent need.
The financial contribution will be directed toward medical treatments, health recovery programs, and facility upgrades for rescue dogs saved from harsh environments.
History of Support for Animal Welfare and Personal Legacy
Youngjae’s birthday gesture continues his long-standing commitment to animal rescue and shelter volunteer work.
His connection to animal welfare is deeply rooted in his personal history with his late pet dog, Coco:
- Previous Major Donation: At the end of 2025, Youngjae donated 30 million won to the same Rainbow Shelter facility in memory of Coco, a Maltese he adopted and raised alongside his GOT7 bandmates.
- Hands-on Volunteering: In addition to monetary contributions, Youngjae has personally visited the shelter on multiple occasions to engage in hands-on volunteer labor, including cleaning animal kennels and assisting with daily operations.
Current Military Status and Future Plans
Youngjae is currently fulfilling his mandatory military obligations in South Korea, serving diligently as a social service worker.
Despite his ongoing service period, he has maintained his philanthropic efforts, earning widespread praise from fans and animal welfare advocates globally for continuing to give back to the community.
