Kim Sunhyang, Chairperson of the Graduate School of North Korean Studies, Receives Commendation Plaque at the 2024 Red Cross Gala

As the 2nd Honus Club Member, Recognized for Initial Planning and Promotion of the 'Red Cross Gala'

Kim Sunhyang, Chairperson of the Graduate School of North Korean Studies (former Vice President of the Korean Red Cross), received a plaque of appreciation at the ‘2024 Red Cross Gala’ held on the 15th at the Dynasty Hall of the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

Presentation of a plaque of appreciation to Director Kim Sun-hyang. Provided by the Korean Red Cross

The ‘Red Cross Gala’ is the Korean Red Cross’s representative year-end charity fundraising event. Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the gala was held under the theme ‘10 Years of Gala, Blooming with the Light of Hope,’ with fundraising efforts aimed at supporting the dreams and hopes of young caregivers in families.

At the event, about 400 attendees including Korean Red Cross ambassadors Ahn Jae-wook and Jung Il-woo, representatives from social cooperation organizations, and members of the Red Cross Honours Club and Honours Enterprises?groups of major donors to the Red Cross?gathered to reflect on the 10 years of the Red Cross Gala, which has brought positive change to society by supporting vulnerable groups such as disaster safety vulnerable populations, refugees, multicultural families, and youth preparing for independence.

Additionally, the event featured the induction ceremony for new members of the Red Cross Honours Club and Honours Enterprises, as well as the presentation of plaques of appreciation and gratitude. Here, Chairperson Kim Sunhyang was recognized for her contributions as the former Vice President of the Korean Red Cross and as the second member of the Honours Club, having originally planned and promoted the ‘Red Cross Gala,’ and received a plaque of appreciation.

The first Red Cross Gala took place in 2015. At that time, while overseas events such as the ‘Monaco Red Cross Gala’ were known for their glamorous affairs, large donations, and participation of celebrities, in Korea it was still difficult to hold events where a single table raised one million won.

During this period, Kim, then Vice President of the Korean Red Cross, attempted to shift the donation culture by organizing a high-value event centered on major corporations with donations of 10 million won. As a result, the ‘2015 1st Red Cross Gala’ achieved fundraising results far exceeding its target.

Following this, the ‘Red Cross Honours Club,’ which originated from the Red Cross Gala, took its first step on September 30, 2016, with the motto ‘Investment for a Better World.’ Chairperson Kim Sunhyang is the second founding member among 29 social leaders and, along with Gyeongnam University President Park Jae-gyu (member number 51), is a couple who joined the Red Cross Honours Club.

Currently, the Red Cross Honours Club consists of members who have donated or pledged to donate more than 100 million won to the Red Cross based on cumulative donations, and as of August 2024, a total of 267 members have joined.