ATEEZ member Hongjoong is marking his birthday by helping tackle the global water crisis through a 6-kilometer run with fans and the public. International relief and development NGO World Vision announced it will hold the ‘Hongjoong 6K Virtual Run’ from Nov. 1 to 7. Participants can run 6 km wherever and whenever they like during the period and then submit proof. Since 2024, Hongjoong has held a 6K virtual run with fans each year around his birthday on Nov. 7. In its third year, the event is open to the general public as well. Registration runs from Oct. 6 to 16 on the Global 6K official website. The entry fee of 11,700 won symbolizes his birthday, and the full amount is donated to World Vision. Participants receive a digital race bib featuring Hongjoong, a digital photo card and calendar, a running playlist, a certificate of participation and a KakaoTalk theme. This year the run will also take place simultaneously through World Vision Malaysia and Singapore. “Being able to run with fans every year on my birthday and share good intentions means a lot to me,” Hongjoong said. “I hope the heart behind running 6 km together reaches children who need clean water.” Hongjoong has supported World Vision since 2022, taking part in its Dream Wings Club, water projects in Zambia and support for young carers, and joined its major-donor group, the Bob Pierce Honor Club, in May 2024. Last year he ran with about 4,000 fans and raised 60 million won for water and sanitation projects for children in Africa, and in March he was named a global ambassador for ‘Global 6K for Water.’