KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — A young cancer patient’s delighted reaction after BTS member Jimin kissed her on the cheek during the group’s concert in Texas has helped raise more than 100 million won (RM291,700) for children battling cancer.

The moment between Jimin and Olivya, who is supported by US non-profit Heroes for Children, went viral after BTS’ August 15 concert in Arlington, Texas, with donations to the organisation surging, The Korea Herald reported.

Jimin was performing Go Go during the group’s Arirang world tour when he stepped off stage to greet Olivya, one of five children with cancer given VIP seats at the concert through a sponsorship by health insurer UnitedHealthcare.

He gave her a keychain before patting her head, hugging her and planting a kiss on her cheek.

A video of the encounter spread rapidly online, attracting more than five million views within a day.

In the footage, Olivya, who had lost her hair during cancer treatment, can be heard repeatedly exclaiming: “I got a kiss!”

The response prompted Heroes for Children to launch a fundraising campaign with ARMY, BTS’ global fan base, to support children with cancer and their families.

The campaign had raised about 93 per cent of its US$100,000 target by Tuesday afternoon, according to its website.

“BTS fans across the globe have shared Olivya’s story and are looking for ways to help other children battling cancer. Their response has far exceeded our expectations,” the organisation’s senior director of events and marketing Natalie Bruegger told JoongAng Ilbo.

Bruegger said the concert offered the children a chance to step away from the demands of hospital treatment and enjoy a normal childhood experience, while Jimin’s gesture encouraged people to learn more about childhood cancer.

“With hospital treatment occupying such a large part of their daily lives, the concert gave the young patients a precious opportunity to escape their routines for one night and simply enjoy being children,” she said.

Jimin’s gesture also prompted people around the world to find out more about childhood cancer and support affected children and their families, she added.