YG Entertainment and Actors Make Contributions to Ferry Disaster Charities

YG Entertainment chief Yang Hyun Suk has joined the long line of companies and celebrities pledging financial support for the families of the victims and survivors of the Sewol ferry disaster. 

The company announced it would be donating 500 million won (approximately US$480,000) to charities helping those affected by the tragedy. According to the entertainment agency, the money will be raised by through concert revenues and other activities. 

Yang Hyun Suk told company executives that he felt a sense of responsibility that led him to make the decision. According to news outlet Osen, he explained, “I have young children of my own. I feel like crying every time I hear about it. There is nothing you can say to comfort the grieving families at a time like this.” 

This is not the first time YG has been involved in charitable efforts. In March 2013, after having been named the most profitable entertainment agency in the country, Yang Hyun Suk donated his share of the profits to a charity devoted to people suffering with heart disease. At the time, he told the media, “I want to help support children who suffer because their families cannot afford to pay for their surgery.” 

Also making considerable donations, according to Seoul Shinmun newspaper, were two veteran actors. Kim Min Jong, star of SBS drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity”, and Yoon Da Hoon, who last appeared in KBS drama“You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin” both pledged 100 million won (about US$9,600) in financial aid to charities. Kim Min Jong told the paper, “I wish I could go [to Jindo] to rescue even just one person. But I am powerless to help. It’s so frustrating. All I want to is do something for the people who have been affected by this huge tragedy.”

“Yoon Da Hoon said, “As a parent, I was both shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news.”