aespa’s Ningning and Lee Young Ji each donate 20 million KRW (approx. 13,593 USD) after playful game challenge, moving fans online

aespa member Ningning and rapper Lee Young Ji have each donated 20 million KRW (approximately 13,593 USD) following a light-hearted challenge that began during a game on a YouTube show, drawing widespread praise from fans.

On May 1, the YouTube channel Nothing Much Prepared released an episode titled 'The Devil Woman from the Mainland,' featuring Ningning as a guest. In the video, she and Lee Young Ji shared casual conversations while drinking and played a Korean word-chain game.

In the first round, Ningning unexpectedly won against Lee Young Ji despite not being a native Korean speaker, adding humor and surprise to the segment.

For the second round, Lee Young Ji suggested they continue the game and asked Ningning whether she likes donating to charity. Ningning replied that she does, and Lee proposed a playful rule: the loser would donate a large sum of money. Ningning suggested 20 million KRW (approx. 13,593 USD), and both agreed.

However, Lee Young Ji lost again in the second round. Two weeks later, she confirmed she had fulfilled the promise, presenting proof of her donation to a welfare institution in Yangcheon District, Seoul. She also clarified that the donation was voluntary and not made under pressure, emphasizing it was a personal and meaningful decision.

The story continued when the production team later revealed that Ningning also made a donation. According to on-screen text, she contributed 20 million KRW (approx. 13,593 USD) to the Korean Red Cross, matching Lee Young Ji’s donation despite having won the game.

Ningning’s decision to donate regardless of her win added extra meaning to the moment, turning a playful challenge into an unexpected act of mutual generosity. What began as a casual game ultimately led both artists to independently carry out substantial charitable contributions.

Fans reacted warmly online, praising both stars for their generosity and sincerity, with many highlighting the moment as a positive example of celebrity influence.