South Korean singer-actor Lee Seung Gi has donated all of his unpaid earnings from Hook Entertainment to help pediatric patients at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. According to Korean tabloid Soompi, on December 29, Seoul National University Children’s Hospital reported that they had received a 2 billion won (over Rs. 13.1 crores) donation from the singer and actor that will be used to improve the medical facilities. They further shared that the musician personally visited the hospitalt o meet with the patients.
As the outlet notes, the hospital intends to use Lee Seung Gi’s generous donation to combat overcrowding in hospital rooms and improve its aging facilities, so that patients can receive treatment in a more comfortable environment. Moreover, they are looking to name one of the improved wards as the “Lee Seung Gi Ward” after to mark the actor’s generosity.
“I wanted to put this money towards something more meaningful, since it was returned to me,” Lee Seung Gi shared in his Instagram post. “I went to the site myself and surveyed the poor conditions with my own eyes. And so I decided on Seoul National University Children’s Hospital. Seeing seven children and their guardians, which is up to 14 people, in one hospital room, holding onto hope and fighting against these diseases is a sight that I could not forget.”
He continued, “I am currently on my way back after donating 2 billion won just a little while ago. Seoul National University Children’s Hospital is South Korea’s first-ever established children’s hospital. I hope that this may become a small comfort to the children patients and their families, and I hope that they may overcome their illnesses in a better environment and return to their everyday lives.”
“My donations will continue in the new year as well. I will go again to tour different places and will use [this money] in more meaningful places,” he added. “I pray that everyone may end this year well and that the New Year will be full of only good things. Thank you.” In another statement Lee Seung Gi said of his donation, “The low birth rate is a matter of the nation’s survival, and the healthy development and happiness of children can create a bright future for South Korea.”
He added, “As much as a one-time donation has its limits, I am hoping that it will serve as an opportunity to build a space for pediatric patients and also draw attention and interest from society, and I will continue to show interest and support so that the children can grow healthily and happily.”
Meanwhile, after cutting ties with his longtime agency Hook Entertainment in May, to establish his own company, Lee has now signed with his new agency Human Made, the one-man agency he established last summer. “Artist Lee Seung Gi has decided to continue his future promotions at the one-man company Human Made,” the agency announced in a statement. “We are sincerely happy to be able to relay the news of his new start.”
“For artist Lee Seung Gi’s new start, Human Made will give our full support,” the agency wrote. “Additionally, we’d like to announce that [Lee Seung Gi] shared his meaningful love with the Seoul National University Children’s Hospital today for the healthy future of children. Just like the mission of ‘For Human, By Human,’ Human Made and artist Lee Seung Gi promise everyone good work.”
