Actor Lim Chae-moo Continues Philanthropy Despite 19 Billion Won Debt, Advocates for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Actor Lim Chae-moo has begun a journey to support a happy life for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Down Welfare Center announced that it signed a business agreement with Dooriland on July 6 and appointed Lim Chae-moo, the CEO of Dooriland, as its official honorary ambassador.

This agreement was established to expand opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to participate in culture and leisure activities and to create an inclusive society where people with and without disabilities can naturally mingle.

It is reported that CEO Lim plans to participate in campaigns to improve awareness of disabilities and various social contribution activities.

Previously, CEO Lim made headlines in 1989 when he opened Dooriland, a facility spanning approximately 9,917 square meters (3,000 pyeong), in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, using his own funds.

At the time, Lim stated that he opened Dooriland with a passion to create a space where children could play joyfully and happily, but the business was not smooth.

Due to financial difficulties, Dooriland closed its doors in 2017 before reopening in 2020.

Lim previously appeared on a broadcast and said, "My debt from operating Dooriland reached 19 billion won. The monthly loan interest alone is 80 million won, and the electricity bill is 30 million won." Because of this, he even earned the ironic nickname "Debt-Chae-moo."

However, Lim did not give up. Appearing on a broadcast last year, he smiled brightly and said, "Now, the debt is not even 10 billion won."

His persistent efforts to overcome management difficulties and his affection for Dooriland have paid off.

Regarding his role as an honorary ambassador, Lim said, "If Dooriland was a space that gave dreams to children, I now want to join in delivering hope to individuals with developmental disabilities as well." He added, "I will contribute to creating a society where everyone can laugh together, transcending the boundaries between those with and without disabilities."

Reported by Kim Ji-hye | Video by Kim Bok-hyung | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.