On the 26th, the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association announced that singer and actress IU donated a total of 200 million won, with 100 million won each going towards wildfire relief and improving the conditions and awareness of firefighters working on the front lines.
IU expressed her condolences, saying, "I hope this can provide some help to those affected, and I deeply mourn the victims. I sincerely hope the fires are extinguished without further loss of life." She also thanked the firefighters, stating, "I am deeply grateful for the dedication of the firefighters working tirelessly to control the wildfires."
Actress Suzy also donated 100 million won to Hope Bridge. Her agency stated, "Upon hearing about the spreading wildfire damage, Suzy wanted to contribute to this urgent situation. She hopes the fires are extinguished soon so that neighbors can return to their daily lives."
Suzy is a member of the 'Hope Bridge Honors Club,' a group of major donors. Since her donation for the 2019 Gangwon wildfires, she has consistently contributed to various disasters, including typhoons and heavy rains, spreading positive influence. Her cumulative donations to Hope Bridge amount to 600 million won.
Singer Jang Min-ho, serving as an ambassador for the Korean Red Cross, also contributed to wildfire recovery efforts. The Korean Red Cross announced that Jang Min-ho donated 100 million won to aid recovery from large-scale wildfires in regions like Gyeongnam, Gyeongbuk, and Ulsan.
Through the Korean Red Cross, Jang Min-ho stated, "I hope this can provide some help to all those affected by the wildfires," and wished for the quick return of normalcy for the affected residents.
Actress Park Bo-young donated 50 million won through Hope Bridge to support firefighters. Her donation will be used for projects aimed at improving awareness and conditions for firefighters dedicated to disaster sites like wildfires and fires.
Her agency mentioned, "Park Bo-young has always been deeply appreciative of the hard work of firefighters at disaster sites and has decided to donate with the hope that they can work in better conditions."
Park Bo-young is also a member of the 'Hope Bridge Honors Club,' having consistently practiced sharing during various disasters like wildfires, floods, COVID-19, and earthquakes. Through her warm contributions, she sends a message of support to those who work quietly behind the scenes.
Actress Go Min-si also donated 50 million won to Hope Bridge for wildfire recovery. She expressed, "Seeing the damage grow heavier, my heart felt heavy. I wanted to help in any way I could," and emphasized the importance of collective effort, hoping for more participation.
Go Min-si, a member of Hope Bridge's individual major donor group, has quickly expressed her willingness to donate during moments when neighbors needed help, starting with the 2019 Gangwon wildfire donation.
NCT member HAECHAN donated 50 million won through the Community Chest of Korea. He stated, "Upon hearing about the sudden wildfires and the significant damage, I wanted to help in any way I could," and wished for the quick stabilization of the affected communities.
Additionally, broadcaster Kim Na-young donated 50 million won through the Beautiful Foundation to support wildfire relief efforts.
Other celebrities have also joined the donation drive since the 24th, including singer Lee Chan-won with 100 million won, broadcaster Yu Jae-seok with 50 million won, actress Chun Woo-hee with 40 million won, actor Im Si-wan with 30 million won, actress So Yoo-jin with 30 million won, broadcaster Lee Hye-young with 20 million won, WINNER's JINU with 10 million won, lyricist Kim Eana with 10 million won, and comedian Lee Seung-yoon with 10 million won, all contributing to support the wildfire-affected areas in Ulsan, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam.
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)