ATEEZ's Hongjoong Celebrates Birthday with Global 6K Virtual Charity Run for Clean Water

Summary ATEEZ leader Hongjoong is teaming up with international relief and development NGO World Vision to host the 'Hongjoong 6K Virtual Run' from November 1 to 7, celebrating his upcoming birthday on November 7 with a meaningful charitable initiative. The virtual run marks its third consecutive year, carrying forward a tradition Hongjoong began in 2024 to celebrate his birthday alongside fans through fitness and philanthropy. Participants can run or walk six kilometers at any time and place during the designated week, uploading their proof of completion online. The six-kilometer distance represents World Vision's global campaign highlighting the average distance children in developing regions must walk daily to access water. In K-pop culture, idol birthdays have traditionally been commemorated through fan-organized cafe takeovers, subway billboard advertisements, and charitable donations made in the artist's name. Hongjoong's initiative flips the script into an artist-led collective effort, turning a personal milestone into an active charity campaign. For this year's edition, participation has expanded beyond the fandom to welcome the general public, while also expanding geographically to run concurrently across South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. Registration runs from October 6 through October 16 via the official Global 6K website. Matching his November 7 birthday, the participation fee is set at 11,700 won (approximately $8.70 USD), with 100 percent of all proceeds donated directly to World Vision. In return, runners receive a digital race bib featuring Hongjoong, an exclusive photocard, a calendar, a running playlist, and a certificate of participation. Last year, the campaign drew around 4,000 participants and raised 60 million won to fund clean drinking water and sanitation infrastructure for children in Africa. Expressing his gratitude and enthusiasm for the growing initiative, Hongjoong shared, "I am even more excited this year to be joined by so many more people. I hope our shared heart as we run six kilometers together will reach children in need of clean water."