Did Jennie Donate ₩100 Million Out of Kindness—or for a Tax Benefit?

BLACKPINK’s Jennie has made headlines not just for her global chart-topping music, but once again for her generosity. On May 30, Seoul National University College of Medicine confirmed that Jennie personally donated ₩100 million KRW (approximately $73,000 USD) to support the university’s ongoing mission to train medical professionals who not only excel in science but embody compassion and empathy.

According to the university’s development fund committee, Jennie’s donation was made “with the hope of helping nurture warm-hearted talents who will heal the world.” The funds will go toward improving education and research infrastructure, with the goal of building a more inclusive, socially responsible generation of medical practitioners.

A Pattern of Quiet Giving

This isn’t Jennie’s first donation to the university. In 2023, her self-established agency, ODDATELIER (OA Entertainment), donated the same amount—₩100 million—to Seoul National University’s medical school. These contributions highlight Jennie’s ongoing dedication to education and public health, causes often overlooked by mainstream celebrity philanthropy.

Since launching her solo agency, Jennie has not only found her footing as an independent artist, but she has also strengthened her identity as a socially conscious public figure. Her first full-length solo album, Ruby, released in 2024, made a splash across global charts including Billboard, and positioned her as a force to be reckoned with outside of BLACKPINK.

How Much of a Tax Break Could Jennie Receive?

While the motivation behind Jennie’s donation appears rooted in genuine goodwill, it also comes with a significant tax benefit under South Korean law. According to the National Tax Service (NTS), charitable donations to government-designated institutions, such as public universities, are eligible for tax deductions—either from taxable income or directly from the amount of tax owed.

Here’s how the numbers break down:

Jennie’s donation of ₩100 million to a recognized public institution qualifies for an income deduction of up to 30% of her total annual income.

If the donation surpasses that threshold, the excess can be carried forward for up to 10 years and applied in future filings.

Alternatively, for smaller donors, tax credits of 15–30% of the donation amount are available, depending on the individual’s taxable income.

Assuming Jennie earned more than ₩300 million in taxable income for the year—very likely given her endorsements, music sales, brand collaborations, and international activities—the entire ₩100 million donation would be deductible under the 30% rule.

In plain terms:

If she owes ₩300 million in income tax, and she deducts ₩100 million of taxable income, she could reduce her tax bill by tens of millions of won.

However, the benefit is not dollar-for-dollar. It reduces taxable income, not tax owed directly, unless applied as a tax credit.

This structure is designed to encourage high-income earners, like celebrities and corporate leaders, to contribute more to public causes—education, disaster relief, healthcare, and welfare programs—by rewarding them with financial incentives.

Celebrity Giving as Cultural Currency

Jennie’s donation isn’t just a financial gesture—it’s a cultural one. In a country where celebrities often walk a fine line between artistry and responsibility, philanthropy has become an expected part of public life. Donations are carefully tracked by fans, the press, and the public, with both praise and criticism depending on how genuine—or performative—the act appears.

In Jennie’s case, the consistency and relative quietness of her donations add to her credibility. Rather than attaching her name to public campaigns or press-heavy fundraisers, she and her agency have made targeted, repeat contributions to specific institutions that align with long-term social impact.

As Hallyu (the Korean Wave) continues to spread across global media, celebrities like Jennie are not just ambassadors of culture, but also role models of influence, shaping the way fans and future stars think about giving, success, and social responsibility.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie, with her independent agency, chart-topping solo debut, and quiet philanthropy, is proving that celebrity influence can extend far beyond the stage—and sometimes, into the future of medicine. In the meantime, fans can catch Jennie joining her BLACKPINK members, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa, for their comeback world tour Deadline.

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