International ARMYs have stepped in to support the victims of sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army.
On November 15, an international fan shared a post on Twitter encouraging fans to help the Korean grandmothers who were victims of sexual slavery before and during World War Two. The post rapidly spread among fans who began to donate money to the House of Sharing.
I've received a couple of DMs from ARMYs who want to donate for comfort women, so thought I'd just post a tweet.
You can donate to the House of Sharing via PayPal:https://t.co/0Kvab46jOX
or purchase merchandise from Marymond (credit cards & PayPal):https://t.co/BOTsWfNZIY
💜
— 둘셋 ·‿· (@doolsetbangtan) November 15, 2018
The House of Sharing, which is located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, indicated that they have received over 2 million KRW, or approximately $1,800 USD, in 3 days from November 16 to 18 from all over the world including America, England, France, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia and more. The organization added that their support was not limited to financial funding, but a means of emotional support for the victimized grandmothers.
“Donations that were received for 3 days from the 16th to the 18th have exceeded 2 million KRW. The donations from BTS’ international fans are not limited to mere support for the project, but it is another movement for remembering the history of the Japanese invasion and the issues of the comfort women.”
ㅡHouse of Sharing
The fan, who claimed to have gotten in touch with House of Sharing, shared that one of the grandmothers had said she was very grateful that her story was being shared after she heard about what ARMYs were doing.
(we call the survivors grandmothers), when she heard about what ARMYs are doing, said she's very grateful that her story is being shared. It's her birthday today- they were scared that she wouldn't have a birthday this year, but she looked happy and at peace from the photo I saw.
— 둘셋 ·‿· (@doolsetbangtan) November 17, 2018
Fans have been touched by not only the generosity of ARMYs but also by their work in helping spread more awareness about the issue.
I love that this controversy has brought renewed interest and made people find out more about the history of Japan’s colonization. It’s a win in my book.
— Juliesean (@julie20468) November 17, 2018
I'm 48 years old, one of my degrees is in WOMEN'S STUDIES, and STILL I only heard about this in passing in my entire life. I'm kind of resentful about it! But… I have to say I've learned a lot of things being a fan of @BTS_twt, and this is another important one!
— 💜ᙖTS ᑎᗩTIOᑎ*우리는 방탄.💛 (@MochiBish) November 17, 2018
Dear CO-ARMYs,
Wow!! You all are so amazing 💜💜💜 you all are highly intellectual, beautiful, brave and has the heart to humankind. I'm very thankful to be part of this family.Sincerely,
ARMY— ♏ (@Jnxxe30) November 17, 2018
I've learned a lot from this controversy…
ARMYs are amazing💜💜💜 I really love this fandom☺️
I’ll keep learning… the pain is real and it still exists😭https://t.co/LtIS5w9yVK— 🍒Fran🍒 (@_rni_) November 18, 2018
Meanwhile, this is not the first time BTS fans showed support for the cause. In June and September, BTS fans sent 10 million KRW ($8,860 USD) in donations to the House of Sharing under the name “BTS’ ARMY”.
