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| ▲ A file photo of former Hybe CEO Bang Si-hyuk provided by the company. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 3 (Yonhap) -- Seoul National University (SNU) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for a new cultural arts complex, made possible through a 5 billion won (US$3.6 million) donation by HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, the university’s alumnus.
According to HYBE, the "Demolition and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Cultural Center" took place at 6 p.m. in front of the main auditorium of the existing cultural center on SNU’s campus. The event marked both the symbolic dismantling of the old facility and the beginning of construction on a new multipurpose cultural space.
The ceremony was attended by SNU faculty, students, donors to the building fund, and their families. Bang did not attend the event due to overseas business commitments.
In January 2023, Bang donated 5 billion won to SNU’s "Cultural Center Building Fund" to support the redevelopment project. The new facility is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2028.
At the time of his donation, Bang stated, “I’ve experienced firsthand how public support and help can serve as vital nourishment for an individual’s growth, which is why I wanted to give back, even in a small way, to my alma mater.” He added, “I hope this gift will contribute to a virtuous cycle of giving, where juniors grow to contribute back to society—not by pursuing goals and dreams set by others, but by cultivating their own aspirations based on common sense.”
Bang’s cumulative donations since 2020 have exceeded 10 billion won.
HYBE commented, “Chairman Bang has consistently sought ways to contribute to the development of the community as both a business leader and a member of society. We hope the new cultural center becomes a cradle for nurturing talent that will drive Korea’s growth as a cultural powerhouse.”
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