Hyundai Heavy owner honored for helping stage performers

Chung Mong-joon, left, poses with Park Jung-ja, actress and chairperson of the Players’ Welfare Foundation of Korea, at the Artist House in Dongsung-dong, Seoul, Monday, after receiving a plaque of appreciation for his financial support for stage performers. / Yonhap

By Park Si-soo

Chung Mong-joon, a former lawmaker and the largest shareholder of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), received a plaque of appreciation Monday from an association of stage performers for his support for its members.

Chung donated 200 million won ($183,100) to the association last year through the Community Chest of Korea, the nation’s biggest charity, according to the Players’ Welfare Foundation of Korea.

Two-thirds of the money was used to treat ailing stage performers, while the rest will be used to organize a play featuring senior performers.

“I was so sad after learning that many stage performers find it difficult to make a living,” Chung said after receiving the award. “I will try harder to help more artists suffering from poverty.”

He expressed his condolences to the death of actor Cho Myung-hoon, who died of stroke last month.

“The tragic accident took place due to the excessive workload he endured to make money ahead of his child’s birth,” he said. “I want to prevent such a tragic accident from happening again. To that end, I will fulfill my role to the fullest.”

Stage performers’ annual salary is estimated at 10 million won ($9,150) on average, according to a survey of 300 stage performers and directors that was carried out by the Seoul Theater Center (STC). That is not even one-third of the nation’s average income.

“Only a handful of performers draw attention and enjoy an affluent life. A great majority of them have to suffer from extreme poverty,” an STC official said.