GILSTORY (led by Kim Nam-gil) announced on the 30th that it is rolling out its signature giving campaign, “A Steady Day,” funded entirely by proceeds from its benefit production “2024 SMG SHOW”, to support children and teens in crisis.
“A Steady Day” helps young people facing hardship experience a warmer, safer day through meals, counseling, travel and education. The program aims to strengthen social connections and build emotional resilience so kids can return to healthier daily lives, working with small, community-based partners to create a sustainable model of support.
In Seoul’s Eunpyeong District, GILSTORY is backing arts-based education and emotional wellness programming for out-of-school youth at Jakgong, an alternative-education youth library. The curriculum includes identity exploration for self-understanding and stability, plus hands-on life and career skills like cooking, organization and resume writing. To foster community and multicultural experiences, three group trips are slated: after an August visit to Cheorwon in Gangwon Province, the program heads to Jeju in October and Laos in November.
In Bucheon, the late-night youth spot Green Frog Diner marked Family Month in May by serving hot meals and hosting a culture-and-arts experience designed to help kids rebuild self-respect.
The campaign is funded by proceeds from the Dec. 7-8, 2024 benefit held at Kyung Hee University’s Grand Peace Hall. Twenty-six actors donated their time onstage ― including Kim Won-hae, Yoo Hae-jin, Cha Seung-won, Park Sung-woong, Baek Ji-won, Jung Man-sik, Park Ji-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, Kim Nam-gil, Jin Goo, Kim Dae-myung, Lee Sang-yoon, Yang Hyun-min, Go Kyu-pil, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Si-eon, Hwang Je-seong, Lee Sang-yeob, Lee Hanee, Seo Hyun-woo, Ahn Chang-hwan, Jeon Sung-woo, Sung Joon, Na Seon-uk and Roh Jeong-eui ― drawing more than 8,000 attendees over two nights.
“We wanted to help children and teens in crisis live healthy, everyday lives within their communities,” said Kim Nam-gil, head of GILSTORY. “It’s especially meaningful that we can run this campaign thanks to the actors and audiences who came together for last year’s ‘SMG Show.’ We’re grateful ― and we’ll keep working with local youth organizations to deliver what’s truly needed on the ground.”
Looking ahead, the 2025 “SMG SHOW” is set for Saturday, Nov. 29, at Ewha Womans University’s Main Auditorium.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)