Kim Boseong Visits Daegu to Distribute 5,000 Free Masks
Ahn Cheolsoo Leads Indefinite Medical Support Volunteer Effort
Professor Lee Gukjong's Doctor Helicopter Only Practical Discussions Left
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] As the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions suffer from the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the appearances of famous figures visiting these areas are giving hope not only to local residents but also to the nation.
Professor Song Jae-ryong of Kyung Hee University's Department of Sociology said, "When well-known social figures, whom ordinary citizens rarely meet, step forward wholeheartedly in difficult times like these, it makes people feel that 'the country or society cares about us.'" He added, "This will definitely be a great source of strength for the residents of the depressed and gloomy Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions."
The most talked-about figure recently is actor Kim Bo-sung. On the 1st, he visited Daegu and walked around the city, distributing masks for COVID-19 prevention free of charge to citizens. On that day alone, Kim distributed a total of 5,000 masks to Daegu citizens. A moment was captured where Kim shed tears after receiving a bouquet from a citizen. Afterward, he returned to Seoul and entered self-quarantine, staying alone in the basement room of his home, but he plans to visit Daegu again.
The medical volunteer work of Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, also stands out. On the 1st, after receiving a medical support request from the Korean Medical Association, Ahn, along with his wife Professor Kim Mi-kyung, went down to Daegu to provide medical care to symptomatic patients and others. Given the continuous influx of patients, Ahn is focusing on medical care without setting a specific time limit. Photos showing him soaked in sweat from wearing protective clothing while concentrating on his medical activities have earned him praise from the public.
Professor Lee Guk-jong of Ajou University Hospital is also reportedly planning to board a doctor helicopter to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. After receiving a medical support request for COVID-19 patients in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk region from Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung on the 29th of last month, Professor Lee readily decided to board the doctor helicopter. Although procedural steps such as practical consultations between Gyeonggi Province and Ajou University Hospital remain, news of his trip to Daegu is becoming a ray of light for local residents.
In addition, many celebrities and other famous individuals have consecutively expressed their intention to donate funds, and individual citizens are raising donations online. Furthermore, doctors and nurses nationwide have also decided to volunteer and head to Daegu, demonstrating voluntary citizen participation to overcome the national crisis, which is hastening a warm spring in South Korea in mid-March 2020.
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