Japanese rock star donates $87,900 for fire victims in Gangwon

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Mon, October 2, 2023 | 23:22

K-pop

Japanese rock star donates $87,900 for fire victims in Gangwon

Posted : 2019-04-11 17:21

Updated : 2019-04-11 17:21

Yoshiki has donated 100 million won for the victims of a fire in Gangwon Province. Courtesy of ChildFund Korea

By Dong Sun-hwa

Yoshiki, the leader of Japanese rock band X-Japan, has donated 100 million won ($87,900) for victims of the massive wildfire in Gangwon Province on April 4.

The rock star handed the donation to ChildFund Korea via his American non-profit foundation YOSHIKI FOUNDATION AMERICA. He was reportedly influenced by Korean actor couple Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung who offered the same amount.

Yoshiki and Lee Byung-hun. Capture from Lee Byung-hun's Instagram

The fire started in Goseong. It killed one person and injured 11. Korean President Moon Jae-in declared a state of national disaster over the blaze.

"I hope the fire-stricken region of Gangwon Province will recover as soon as possible," Yoshiki said via the foundation, Wednesday.

Lee Byung-hun praised him on Instagram, saying: "Thank you, my friend." He also posted a photo of himself with Yoshiki.

X-Japan debuted in 1985 and shot to fame with smash-hit songs including "Endless Rain" released in 1989.