IU's 'Generous Donation'... 200 Million Won Donated for COVID-19 Relief Fund

Singer IU / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Yeon-ju] Singer and actress IU (real name Lee Ji-eun) donated 200 million KRW to support residents and medical staff in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are rapidly increasing.

On the 27th, according to the international relief and development NGO Good Neighbors, IU donated 100 million KRW to the organization, requesting that it be used to overcome COVID-19.

Additionally, IU is reported to have donated 3,000 protective suits worth 100 million KRW through the Korean Medical Association. The Korean Medical Association plans to distribute the donated supplies to treatment sites in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas.

IU stated, "I decided to donate with the hope that vulnerable groups will be protected," adding, "I hope this will help families struggling to purchase masks and hand sanitizers so that children can grow up healthy."

She also said, "I heard that the supply of protective suits for medical staff at healthcare institutions is very insufficient," and added, "I made this donation to help, even if just a little, the medical professionals who are doing their best to treat patients in order to protect the lives and safety of the people."

Since 2015, IU has consistently engaged in charitable activities through the Green Umbrella Children’s Foundation. In April of last year, she also donated 100 million KRW to aid recovery from the wildfires in Gangwon.

Last year, the American business magazine Forbes included IU in its list of the "30 Asian Philanthropy Heroes of 2019."