World Health Organization (WHO) has joined forces with K-pop group ENHYPEN to encourage young people worldwide to donate blood, following the success of their joint campaign for World Blood Donor Day 2026.
Launched on 14 June, the collaboration used social media, digital content and ENHYPEN’s global fan community, known as ENGENE, to promote voluntary, unpaid blood donation. The campaign encouraged fans to learn about safe blood donation, pledge their support and participate in their local communities.
During a meeting at HYBE headquarters in Seoul on 22 October, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recognised the group’s contribution to raising awareness. According to WHO, the organisation’s 2026 Drop Your Drop campaign received more than 9,000 pledges from people across 177 countries, including over 3,250 participants who identified themselves as ENGENE.
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ENHYPEN members also visited a Korean Red Cross blood donation centre in Seoul, where all members underwent donor eligibility screening. Members JAY and JUNGWON donated plasma, demonstrating their support for the initiative.
Blood transfusions are vital for women experiencing childbirth complications, children with severe anaemia, accident victims and patients undergoing surgery or treatment for serious illnesses. Blood products are also essential during emergencies and disasters, yet access to safe blood remains unequal across countries.
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WHO advocates for sustainable national blood supplies supported by regular, voluntary and unpaid donations. Engaging younger generations is important because blood and its components have limited shelf lives and supplies must be replenished continuously.
The partnership highlights how music, digital engagement and fan communities can help raise awareness and encourage action on global health priorities.
