Thai student with brain hemorrhage to return home after major donation from actress Lee Young-ae
Lee Young-ae / Xportsnews
Korean actress Lee Young-ae is earning praise once again after it was revealed that she personally donated 10 million won ($7,700) to support a Thai student who has been in a coma for months — and said she was “more thankful” to the students who organized the fundraising.
According to Chonnam National University on Nov. 14, Sirinya, a Thai national studying Korean at the university’s Language Education Center, was found unconscious in her dormitory room in July. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with subdural hemorrhage, remaining in a coma for more than three months.
The university’s volunteer club “Rhythm of Hope” began raising funds after learning that Sirinya’s family was struggling financially and could not afford the cost of treatment or medical repatriation. The campaign quickly gained momentum on campus, with students, faculty, and local residents joining the effort.
The initial goal of 9 million won was soon surpassed, with donations doubling as word spread throughout the community.
Amid the grassroots fundraising, Lee learned of Sirinya’s situation and donated ten million won to the volunteer group — a contribution that immediately drew widespread attention once it became known.
Lee also delivered a short message expressing her admiration for the students’ efforts. “I am actually more thankful that the students are doing such good work,” she said.
Sirinya remains unconscious and dependent on medical equipment. Arrangements have been made for her to be transported back to Thailand with support from Korean Air. She is scheduled to depart from Incheon Airport at 7 p.m. today (Saturday).
Lee recently appeared in the KBS 2TV drama “Walking on Thin Ice,” which concluded last month.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.