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HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk has donated ₩5 billion (approx. $3.6 million) to Seoul National University to support the reconstruction of its main cultural center into a state-of-the-art arts complex, the company announced on July 3.

A groundbreaking and deconstruction ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. today in front of the center’s main hall on SNU’s Gwanak campus. The event will be attended by SNU faculty, students, donors, and their families. Chairman Bang will not be present due to overseas commitments.

Bang made the donation in January last year, saying, “I wanted to give back for the support I’ve received. I hope this inspires a positive cycle where future students pursue their dreams and contribute to society.”

Originally completed in 1984, the SNU Cultural Center has hosted performances, exhibitions, and lectures for decades. The revamped facility will include a 1,000-seat vineyard-style concert hall, a 300-seat black box theater, a gallery, and community spaces. It is expected to become a flagship venue under SNU’s “SNU Commons” strategy, with completion slated for the second half of 2028.

“Chairman Bang has consistently practiced community-centered giving as a business leader,” said HYBE. “We hope the new cultural center will nurture the next generation of talent who will lead Korea’s cultural future.”