Over 40 Celebrities, Including Seol Woon Do, Park Sangcheol, and Jin Sung, Join Talent Donation
Fundraising Campaign Continues Since 2002... Cumulative Donations Reach Approximately 740 Million Won
From the left, singer Sangmin Park, Secretary General Insik Hwang of Community Chest of Korea, and comedian Kisoon Hwang are posing for a commemorative photo at the donation ceremony. Community Chest of Korea
The Community Chest of Korea (Chairman Kim Byungjun) announced on September 2 that comedian Hwang Kisoon and singer Park Sangmin donated 40.25 million won, which they raised through the 23rd "Love Plus" street fundraising campaign.
The donation ceremony took place the previous day at the Community Chest of Korea headquarters in Jung-gu. The event was attended by Hwang Kisoon, Park Sangmin, singer Han Kang, other participating celebrities, volunteers, and Hwang Insik, Secretary General of the Community Chest of Korea. Together, they opened the donation boxes and delivered the funds. The donated money will be used to support strollers for children overseas, living expenses and medical costs for low-income families, and coal briquettes for the winter, among other initiatives to help those in need.
Singer Sangmin Park and comedian Gisoon Hwang are tallying the donation funds collected on the street with employees for the "Love Plus" campaign. Community Chest of Korea
The 23rd "Love Plus" street fundraising campaign was held from August 28 to 31 at Namdaemun in Seoul and Wolmido in Incheon. This year, in addition to Hwang Kisoon and Park Sangmin, more than 40 celebrities participated in talent donation performances, including Seol Woon Do, a leading figure in trot music; Park Sangcheol, known for the hit song "Unconditionally"; Jin Sung, famous for "At Andong Station"; and comedian Lee Yongsik, who serves as a publicity ambassador for the Community Chest of Korea. These performances received an enthusiastic response from citizens. At the Wolmido event in Incheon, singer My Jin's fan club "Blue" contributed to the spirit of giving by donating 10 million won on site.
"Love Plus" began in 2002 when Hwang Kisoon donated 52 wheelchairs with funds he raised during a cross-country cycling journey. Since then, it has grown into a street fundraising event involving both celebrities and citizens, and has been held every year except for 2021, which was canceled due to COVID-19. To date, the campaign has raised a cumulative total of approximately 740 million won, providing more than 2,500 wheelchairs, as well as living expenses, medical costs for low-income families, and coal briquettes for the winter.
On August 28, singer Seol Woondo is performing on stage at the "Love Plus" event held at Namdaemun Market in Seoul. Fruit of Love
Hwang Kisoon said, "The reason 'Love Plus' has been able to continue for 23 years is thanks to the fellow singers who have joined me every year despite the summer heat, and the citizens who have shown their warm hearts. I will continue to share as long as I am able."
Hwang Insik, Secretary General of the Community Chest of Korea, stated, "'Love Plus' has become more than just a fundraising event; it is now a beautiful tradition where sincere giving comes together and love spreads. The Community Chest of Korea will continue to do its best to further establish the culture of sharing throughout Korea."
Hwang Kisoon has led "Love Plus" since 2002, and Park Sangmin joined in 2005, performing together on stage every summer. Through this campaign, both became connected with the Community Chest of Korea, leading to Hwang Kisoon being appointed as a publicity ambassador in 2010 and Park Sangmin in 2013. They have since been at the forefront of promoting the culture of giving.
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