Gwangju woman joins donor club after overcoming poverty, disability
A 57-year-old woman from Gwangju, who was once dependent on basic welfare payments and living with a disability, has emerged from years of poverty to achieve self-reliance — and is now giving back as a major donor. According to Gwangju’s Seo District Office, Tuesday, housing manager Song Soon-hee joined the district’s Honors Club, pledging to donate 500,000 won ($367) each month for the next five years. She also made an initial contribution of 5 million won after joining the club. The Honors Club, established in November of last year, is the nation’s first donor community led by a local government, recognizing individuals who pledge more than 30 million won to the district. Just a decade ago, Song was grappling with chronic illness and living in poverty, dependent on government support. Her turning point came with a small but meaningful gift from a local welfare official — an LED lamp offered as a gesture of encouragement. At the time, her home was so dim — its sunlight blocked by a nearby building — that it stayed dark even during the daytime. After receiving the lamp, she
Jun 26, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
