On the day he heads off to fulfill South Korea’s mandatory military service, SEVENTEEN’s HOSHI is making headlines for both his philanthropy and his music.
The Community Chest of Korea announced Monday that HOSHI donated 100 million won to build a public school in Ndola, Zambia, with a groundbreaking ceremony held recently.
The gift marks his second overseas school-construction initiative following last year’s support for a national orphanage school in Laos. Funds will go toward building new classrooms for more than 350 elementary students and renovating existing classrooms and a nearby orphanage.
“I want to send strength and encouragement to kids growing up in difficult conditions,” HOSHI said, adding, “I hope the new classrooms help them stay healthy and dream bigger.” He joined the organization’s Honor Society, its high-level donor circle, in 2021 and, alongside his SEVENTEEN bandmates, serves as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador.
Later today at 6 p.m. KST, HOSHI will release his solo single “TAKE A SHOT” across major digital platforms.
“TAKE A SHOT” is a hip-hop cut rooted in the rage sound, fusing hard-hitting rap with synths and electric guitar. HOSHI co-wrote the lyrics, channeling a renewed drive as he marks 10 years since debut.
This year, he’s balanced projects with BSS (SEVENTEEN’s subunit) and the full group while rolling out solo work, steadily expanding his global footprint. With today’s enlistment, he becomes the fourth SEVENTEEN member to begin service, following JEONGHAN, WONWOO and WOOZI.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)