Actor distributes masks to Daegu residents

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency named Kim Bo-sung an honorary officer in October 2019. Korea Times file

By Lee Gyu-lee

Actor Kim Bo-sung visited Daegu, the epicenter of coronavirus in Korea, and donated more than 5000 masks in person to residents, Sunday.

Kim, 53, told news outlet Star News on Monday that he wanted to express support for Daegu residents. The city has confirmed more than 3,600 coronavirus cases, as of Tuesday morning.

“It was devastating to see people waiting in line to buy masks at the pharmacy because of the shortage,” he explained, adding that he is currently in self-quarantine after returning home.

His good deed was publicized through the Daegu community's social media page. The account uploaded pictures of the actor with boxes of masks on Facebook and wrote: “Kim Bo-sung is driving around Daegu, handing out masks and giving encouraging messages now.”

The actor hands out masks and gives messages of support to people in Daegu. Screen capture from Facebook

This is not the first time the actor has donated masks.

He revealed his previous donations to help prevent coronavirus spread during a February episode of the talk show “Radio Star." He said he donated masks to people in Jincheon and Asan in North and South Chungcheong Province ― the quarantine area designated for Korean evacuees from Wuhan.

On Feb. 19, he released a digital single “Loyalty” and announced that he planned to donate the song's proceeds as well.

The actor debuted in 1989 with a lead role in the movie “Happiness Does Not Come in Grades.” He became known for his “tough guy” image, starring in various action films such as the “Two Cops” series.

He also has appeared in various reality shows, including TV Chosun's “Brother Sister,” and SBS's “My Little Old Boy.”