The Korean Red Cross publishes current blood reserves daily on its website, which, at present, stands at 8 days supply. However, last year, when the COVID-19 omicron mutation was prevalent in South Korea and blood donations were scarce, blood reserves fell to a 3-day supply, and a domestic blood crisis was announced.

At that time, the 'We Are One' Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group (Director Jun-su Hong), resolved to alleviate the severe blood shortage that resulted from the prolonged coronavirus pandemic and mobilised over 100,000 members for a group blood drive. 73,807 members successfully donated blood, setting a new Guinness World Record.

Jun-su Hong (35), Director of We Are One, said, “I came to think deeply about life and the social safety net during the COVID-19 pandemic. As I was reading about those in need of surgery or blood transfusion, I thought it would be beneficial for our youth to step up and contribute.”

An official from We Are One said, “We were able to greatly aid the restoration of blood reserves to normal levels while volunteering for blood donation.” The average number of blood donors in Korea is 2.4 million a year, and the 73,000 people who participated in the blood donation service accounted for 3%. The Korean Red Cross provides blood donor cards and vouchers to those who give blood. We Are One gifted their entire donation, equivalent to roughly 400 million KRW (£2400), to the Korean Red Cross to help alleviate the financial burden on patients in need of emergency blood transfusions, surgery or treatment.

We Are One is carrying out a blood donation this year, as well as during the summer holiday period for university students. Members gather at a place in the city of Gwacheon, Gyeonggi province, answer a short blood donation survey, and go into a bloodmobile to collectively donate blood. In this way, up to 350 people a day are donating blood.

A 'Running' service is also being conducted to encourage blood donation. On April 9, a marathon was held in Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul. This marathon matches a group of more than 30 participants with one person in need of blood and the entire participation fee is donated as a gift. 1140 members of 'We Are Run', a running club within We Are One, participated, and 114 million Korean Won (£68,000) was raised and gifted.

Volunteer running naturally led to 'Plogging', where people jog while picking up litter. This volunteer work is helping restore flood-affected areas. Director Hong said, “We wish to become people who can be a source of strength to others in times of difficulty.”