Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo, IU, other Korean celebs donate over $1.7million for South Korea coronavirus relief efforts

When the coronavirus strikes, people close ranks as they lift and support each other to fight the epidemic.

Since the rampant spread of the disease in South Korea (registering the highest number of cases outside of China), celebrities have emerged to pledge funds and donate resources to aid relief efforts in the country. Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, fresh off his triumphant presence at the Oscars, donated 100 million won ($114,980) to Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, the organisation revealed in a tweet yesterday (Feb 27).

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South Korean Parasite actor Sang Kang-ho and Running Man's Kim Jong-kook also donated the same amount each to Hope Bridge.

In subsequent tweets, Hope Bridge also announced that singer Kang Daniel and BTS' Suga donated 50 million won and 100 million won respectively to their cause.

Other celebrities who have donated to Hope Bridge include comedian Yoo Jae-suk and actor Song Joong-ki, who reportedly gave 100 million won each.

On Wednesday (Feb 26), South Korean singer Sunmi took to Instagram and posted a screenshot of her 10 million won donation to Hope Bridge and wrote: "I donated through the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association. Please also pay attention to the safety of the medical team."

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It was also reported by K-pop fansite Soompi that actor Lee Byung-hun similarly donated 100 million won to the Community Chest of Korea. His agency confirmed the news and said: "He understood the seriousness of preventing the spread of Covid-19 and decided to make a donation in hopes that it would give people strength."

South Korean paper JoongAng Daily reported that actor Kim Woo-bin, actress Shin Min-a and actor Jung Woo-sung each donated 100 million won to the Community Chest of Korea as well.

Train to Busan star Gong Yoo has also contributed to the same charity under his real name Gong Ji-cheol. The actor reportedly requested that his 100 million won donation be used to support and help the authorities, medical staff as well as low-income families and socially disadvantaged people.

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The non-governmental organisation Good Neighbors, which was founded in Seoul, also saw donations of 100 million won each from singer-actress Bae Suzy, singer-actress IU, and Goblin actress Kim Go-eun. Meanwhile, actor Ahn Jae-wook donated 20 million won to the Korean Red Cross to help residents in Daegu.

Additionally, South Korean rapper B.I, the former leader of boy band iKon, reportedly donated 100,000 masks to those who have trouble getting them. These masks are said to be distributed in Korea, China, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

bryanlim@asiaone.com