Jackpot winner donates $700,000 to KAIST

By Lee Hyo-sik

Staff reporter

A 60-year-old man, who won the largest jackpot ever at Kangwon Land, Korea's only casino open to citizens, has decided to donate his prize money to the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

He also became the first person ever to donate his winnings to any cause since the casino opened its doors in 2000.

In a visit to Kangwon Land, Monday, Ahn Seung-pil said he will donate his winnings of 767 million won ($700,000) to one of Korea's most prestigious academic institutes to contribute to the advancement of the nation's science and technology industries.

"I did not expect to hit this jackpot. After winning the money, I first thought about donating it to help the unfortunate. But after watching a TV program emphasizing the importance of advanced science and technology to Korea's future, I decided to give the money to KAIST," Ahn said.

Ahn said he could have paid off his debts with the prize. "But I think if I work hard, I will be able to clear my debts in the near future. Also, my family backed my decision."

He used to operate a small-scale textile-making plant before the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis hit his business hard. It led him to bankruptcy and resulted in nearly four billion won in debt. But he has nearly paid it all off over the years.

Ahn hit the jackpot last Saturday and returned to Seoul the following day. He went back to Kangwon Land on Monday to donate the money.

최대 잭팟 전액 카이스트에 기부

강원랜드 개점 후는 물론 국내 카지노 사상 가장 큰 잭팟 전액이 카이스트(KAIST)에 기부된다.

안승필(60)씨는 월요일 잭팟으로 번 7억 6700만원을 전액 카이스트에 기부한다고 밝혔다.

안씨는 "이 돈을 내 부채에 갚는데 쓸 수 있지만 평소 돈을 많이 벌면 어려운 사람에게 기부해야겠다는 생각이 있었고 지난 번 TV를 보면서 한국의 미래 과학기술을 위해 카이스트에 기부하기로 했다" 고 밝혔다.

소규모 면직물 사업을 하는 그는 1997년 외환위기로 40억 여원의 빚을 졌는데 지금은 거의 다 갚은 것으로 알려졌다.

강원랜드는 그에게 강원랜드 호텔 무료 숙식권, 골프장 이용료 면제, 다른 시설 이용료 50% 감면 등을 선물로 제공했다.