Unwavering in Earning Money, 'Like an Angel When Spending' in Practice
CEO Ahn Sang-moon is a Descendant of Independence Activist Ahn Hee-je
Chairman Lee Jong-hwan (left), the first donor of hometown love well in Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam, and the descendant of independence activist Baeksan Ahn Hee-je, the second donor. [Image source=Uiryeong-gun Office]
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] The hometown love of the wealthy people of Uiryeong, Gyeongnam, was also extraordinary.
Chairman Lee Jong-hwan of the Kwanjeong Lee Jong-hwan Education Foundation, who donated 1.7 trillion won leaving behind the saying, "I may not be able to earn money like an angel, but I will spend it like an angel," and the descendant of Baeksan An Hee-jae, a hidden hero of the independence movement who did not even leave a single photo for fear that his belongings might harm his comrades, participated in the Hometown Love Donation Program.
Uiryeong-gun announced on the 3rd that on the first day of the Hometown Love Donation Program on the 1st, Chairman Lee Jong-hwan of Kwanjeong, known as the "1 trillion won donation king" and operator of the "largest scholarship foundation in Asia," and on the 2nd, CEO An Sang-moon of The Baeksan, a descendant of Baeksan An Hee-jae, conveyed their hometown love to Uiryeong.
Chairman Lee is from Yongdeok-myeon, Uiryeong-gun, not only the founder of Samyoung Chemical Group but also established the Kwanjeong Lee Jong-hwan Education Foundation, donating nearly 1 trillion won and dedicating his life to nurturing talent. At an event commemorating his 100th birthday (Sangsu) in front of the Kwanjeongjae in Uiryeong last November, he left a profound message: "Practice the path of righteousness, and you will ultimately win." He took a bold step from Seoul to Uiryeong for this donation, demonstrating his exceptional hometown love.
The second donor, CEO An of The Baeksan, is a descendant of Baeksan An Hee-jae and a successful businessman from Uiryeong who runs a ship parts manufacturing business in Busan. He is renowned as a proud Uiryeong native dedicated to various charitable activities, including donations to help neighbors.
County Governor Oh Tae-wan said, "The donations from people who are symbolic of Uiryeong bring deep gratitude and profound emotion," adding, "Uiryeong-gun will honor and respect donors. We will enhance the value of Uiryeong and present a greater Uiryeong to our donors."
The Hometown Love Donation Program, which began in earnest on January 1 this year, allows individuals to donate up to 5 million won annually to local governments other than the metropolitan and basic local governments where they reside. Local governments use the received donations to improve residents' welfare and revitalize the region. Donors receive tax deductions and return gifts.
Uiryeong-gun provides return gifts such as Korean beef, Korean pork, king oyster mushrooms, watermelons, rice, buckwheat noodles, soybean paste, and fresh vegetable bundles, and plans to offer unique services like grass-cutting proxy services.
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