15&’s Park Ji Min Reveals She Donated 200 Million KRW of Her “K-Pop Star” Prize Money

15& member and winner of the first season of SBS’ singing competition program “K-Pop Star,” Park Ji Min, recently revealed that she donated two-thirds of her total earnings from the show’s prize money.

On the December 29 broadcast of SBS’ variety talk show “Healing Camp,” previous contestants of the first three seasons of “K-Pop Star” including Park Ji Min, Lee Hi, Baek Ah Yeon, Akdong Musician, Bernard Park, Sam Kim, and Kwon Jin Ah appeared as guests.

When asked about her prize winnings from season one, Park Ji Min explained, “I donated 200 million KRW (~$182,000 USD) of the 300 million KRW (~$273,000 USD). And I received the remaining 100 million KRW after tax deductions.”

The MCs then asked her why she decided to donate her prize earnings and if her parents had approved, to which she replied, “I didn’t know I would win first place. So I donated with a happy heart, that I will be able to sing good songs in the future. Our family lived happily and comfortably, without lacking. My parents gladly gave me permission [to do so]. I’ve always had a heart for helping those living in difficult circumstances in Africa, so I decided to donate.”