In a touching display of generosity and gratitude, I.N (Yang Jeong-in) of the global sensation Stray Kids marked his 25th birthday on February 8, 2026, by making a substantial donation to support those in need.
The idol donated 100 million won (approximately $75,000 USD) to the National Cancer Center.
This gesture was made in honor of the immense love and support he has received from his fans, known as STAY, throughout his career.
The funds are specifically earmarked to help underprivileged cancer patients manage their rising medical expenses.
Additionally, a portion of the donation will be directed toward psychological therapy programs for children and adolescents who are battling the disease.
Through this act, I.N aimed to address not only the physical toll of cancer treatment but also the emotional and mental strain it places on young patients and their families.
Words of Hope and Encouragement
Accompanying the donation was a heartfelt message from I.N, expressing his motivation for the gift. He stated,
“I wanted to share the love I’ve received from fans and hope that even a small part of it can bring warmth to those enduring long periods of treatment.”
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He humbly described the contribution as small, yet expressed his sincere wish that it would deliver “hope and courage” to those currently fighting for their health.
He concluded his statement by offering his prayers for the full recovery of all patients receiving support through the initiative.
A Consistent History of Philanthropy
This recent donation is not an isolated incident but rather part of a consistent pattern of charitable work that has defined I.N’s public life. Despite his young age, he has become a leading figure in “idol philanthropy.”
In 2024, at just 23 years old, he made history as the youngest-ever member of the ‘Green Noble Club,’ an elite group of high-value donors established by the child welfare organization ChildFund Korea.
Membership in this club is reserved for individuals who have donated over 100 million won to the cause of child welfare.
Furthermore, I.N has established a tradition of giving back on his birthday; last year, he donated treatment funds to Samsung Seoul Hospital for pediatric cancer. His charitable reach also extends to disaster relief.
In April 2025, he joined his fellow Stray Kids members in contributing to wildfire recovery efforts in South Korea’s Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk regions.
Later that year, in November, he also participated in international relief efforts following fire damage in Hong Kong.
Global Momentum for Stray Kids in 2026
While I.N continues to make an impact through his personal charity, Stray Kids as a group is showing no signs of slowing down in 2026.
Following their massive success in 2025, which solidified their status as “global top artists,” the group is preparing for a year of major international performances.
Fans can look forward to seeing the group headline some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals.
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They are scheduled to perform at ‘The Governors Ball Music Festival’ in New York on June 6 and the legendary ‘Rock in Rio’ in Brazil on September 11.
These headlining slots further cement their influence as leaders of the Fourth Generation of K-pop, proving that their impact is felt both on the music charts and through their positive contributions to society.
I.N’s birthday donation serves as a reminder that even at the height of global fame, the members remain grounded and dedicated to using their platform for good.
