Celebrities provide donations to help flood victims
Trot singer Lim Young-woong, left, and actress Kim Hye-soo / Courtesy of Mulgogi Music, Netflix
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Celebrities donated hefty sums to help victims hit by the recent heavy rainfall that killed at least 40 people nationwide.
Relief efforts are underway after unusual torrential rains triggered floods that led to the loss of human life, damage to property and destruction of crops and livestock. The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters reported 40 people dead, nine missing and about 10,608 evacuated from their homes, as of Monday 11 a.m.
Trot singer Lim Young-woong and his management agency, Mulgogi Music, donated 200 million won ($157,923) to the Community Chest of Korea for flood relief efforts. The singer, who rose to fame through TV Chosun's 2020 audition program “Mr. Trot,” has consistently been making philanthropic efforts, making disaster-related charitable donations under his fan club.
According to the Korea Disaster Relief Association, actress Kim Hye-soo donated 100 million won to help those affected by the flooding. She has stepped forward previously to help in disaster situations, including the 2019 Gangwon Province forest fire, 2020 COVID-19 relief, the 2022 wildfire on the east coast and flooding in 2022.
Actors Kim Woo-bin, left, and Shin Min-a / Courtesy of tvN
Actors Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a, a real-life couple who co-starred in tvN's 2022 series “Our Blues,” each donated 100 million won to the same association. “My heart goes out to those affected by the floods,” Shin said via her agency AM Entertainment.
Comedian Yoo Jae-suk, rapper PSY and trot singer Lee Chan-won each offered 100 million won to the same charity, which will go toward short- and long-term relief and recovery efforts.
“I would like to express my deep regret to those impacted by the flooding,” PSY said through the association. “I wish people in flooded areas can return to their homes and resume their normal lives as soon as possible.”
The singer-producer behind the 2012 viral sensation “Gangnam Style” has been criticized for going ahead with a concert in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, on Monday evening when flash floods caused widespread damage in Korea.
Actress Han Hyo-joo and actor Yim Si-wan donated 50 million won and 30 million won, respectively. “I cannot imagine the sadness and despair of flood victims. I was saddened by the news. I hope normalcy will be restored soon,” Han said.
Comedian Park Na-rae and TV personality Lee Hae-young offered 10 million won to the flood relief fund.
As of Monday, the nation's total property damage has increased to over 318 private assets and 631 public facilities.