This Year Again, 'Donation Angel' Sean Builds a House for Descendants of Independence Patriots

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] "We plan to build houses for the descendants of independence activists by collecting donations from marathon participants."

Sean of the group ‘Jinusean,’ known as a ‘donation angel’ in the entertainment industry, raised over 1 billion KRW in donations again this year through the ‘815 Run’ marathon. To help with the housing issues of descendants of independence activists who live in difficult conditions, he practiced good deeds through running together with celebrities and sports figures who share the same will.

According to his agency YG Entertainment on the 17th, Sean has been hosting the ‘815 Run’ marathon for three years. The donation marathon was held in collaboration with Korea Habitat on Liberation Day.

A line of participants joined the event to support the purpose of building houses for descendants of independence activists. The 81.5 km donation marathon, which requires a participation fee of 50,000 KRW, saw many celebrities take part. Former national soccer players Lee Young-pyo and Cho Won-hee, actors Park Bo-gum, Yoon Se-a, Lee Si-young, Im Si-wan, Jin Sun-kyu, and Go Han-min participated. Former national cycling representatives Gong Hyo-seok, Yeon Je-seong, and track athlete Jang Ho-jun also joined the event. Including general participants, about 3,500 people shared the will to donate through the marathon.

Sean explained, "The lives of the descendants of independence activists are not as affluent as expected," which motivated many to take action. The sincerity of those who shared the will was gathered to help solve the housing problems of the descendants of independence activists.

Seventy-one companies, including the clothing brand ‘The North Face’ and Kakao’s social contribution platform ‘Kakao Together,’ also supported through donations. Sean, who hosted the event, donated 16.3 million KRW. This amount includes 8.15 million KRW from his own funds and 8.15 million KRW from the profits of a pop-up store collaboration between his hip-hop brand ‘MF!’ and the clothing brand ‘MCM.’

The donations will be used for housing improvement projects for descendants of independence activists through Korea Habitat. Including 330 million KRW in 2020 and 800 million KRW last year, a total of 1.1 billion KRW has been raised over the past two years. Six houses have been completed so far. Next month, one house each will be completed in Cheongsong, Gyeongbuk, and Gurye, Jeonnam.

Meanwhile, Sean is a first-generation hip-hop singer who debuted in 1997. He is a 1.5-generation Korean American and married actress Jung Hye-young in 2004; they have two sons and two daughters. Through the donation marathon, he has led the establishment of the ‘Purme Foundation Nexon Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital,’ Korea’s first integrated children’s rehabilitation hospital, and has also supported treatment costs for disabled children. It is known that he sponsors about 900 children.