On April 10, 2026, former KBS announcer and Seoul National University graduate Lee Hye-sung made headlines by joining the Honor Society, a prestigious group of high-value donors in South Korea. The Honor Society, operated by the Community Chest of Korea, recognizes individuals who donate at least 100 million KRW (roughly $75,000 USD) or pledge to do so within five years. Lee’s decision places her as the 483rd member in Seoul, a milestone she announced with both humility and pride across her social media platforms.
Lee’s journey to this philanthropic achievement is as compelling as her public persona. After earning her degree from Seoul National University, she became a household name as a KBS announcer, joining as part of the broadcaster’s 43rd class. However, in May 2020, Lee made the bold decision to resign, stepping away from the security of mainstream television and venturing into new territory—both in broadcasting and in personal growth.
Since leaving KBS, Lee has been anything but idle. She launched her own YouTube channel, 'Lee Hye-sung’s 1% Book Club,' which has steadily grown to amass a subscriber base of 200,000. This channel, focused on sharing the love of books, has become not just a creative outlet but also the financial engine for her recent charitable pledge. According to the Community Chest of Korea, Lee’s donation comes directly from her YouTube earnings—a modern twist on philanthropy that highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity giving in the digital age (Herald Economy).
In a heartfelt message posted on April 10, Lee reflected on her motivations and the significance of her contribution. "Although I do not own a house in my name, I wondered if there is really a right time, place, or circumstance for giving," she wrote. "I wanted to participate in philanthropy as early as possible during my ambitious youth." This candid admission resonated with many, offering a glimpse into the personal values driving her decision.
Lee went on to explain that her YouTube earnings will be specifically earmarked for supporting children with leukemia and rare diseases. The funds will be used to provide books, which she hopes will help these children build hope and strengthen their immunity. "Most of all, as '1% Book Club' has grown thanks to the love of many people, I wanted to return that love through books," she wrote. "The YouTube earnings I will donate from now on will be used so that children suffering from leukemia and rare diseases can build hope and immunity through books." (JoyNews24)
This initiative is part of a broader book support project coordinated in collaboration with the Korea Association for Children with Leukemia and Cancer. The idea, Lee explained, is that books can serve as a source of hope, comfort, and even resilience for young patients facing daunting health challenges. According to the Community Chest of Korea, Lee’s donation is not only a testament to her generosity but also a model for how digital creators can leverage their platforms for social good (Herald Economy).
Lee’s philanthropic commitment has also become a new source of motivation for her online endeavors. "Thanks to this donation, I now have even more reason to work passionately on my YouTube activities," she stated, promising to continue her efforts with renewed vigor. She added, "I will continue to show you my best efforts going forward." (Star News Korea)
Her story also underscores a recurring theme: the importance of giving, regardless of one’s personal circumstances. Lee’s openness about not owning a home—a detail she repeated in several posts—challenged the notion that philanthropy is reserved for those with traditional markers of wealth. "It may not seem appropriate for someone who doesn’t even own a house in their name to participate in such giving, but I wondered if there really is a set time, place, or occasion for sharing," she mused. Her words, widely shared in the Korean media, struck a chord with readers and sparked conversations about the meaning of generosity in modern society (OSEN, Newsen).
The Honor Society itself is no stranger to celebrity members. Alongside Lee, the group boasts a roster of well-known entertainers such as Yoona, Hyeri, IU, Suzy, Im Si-wan, and Seolhyun. Their collective participation has helped to raise the profile of the society and inspire others to consider high-impact giving as a meaningful life goal. Membership is open to anyone who donates or pledges at least 100 million KRW within five years, making it an inclusive yet aspirational community for Korea’s philanthropists (OSEN).
Lee’s recent activities extend beyond philanthropy. She recently competed on the MBN baking survival show 'Cheonha Bread: Bake Your Dream,' where she reached the top 10 and shared her journey with viewers. The experience was not without its challenges. In her YouTube content, Lee revealed, "As I passed each round, I became more competitive and poured everything into the competition, both physically and mentally. I even suffered a herniated disc during the process. But I thought of it as an opportunity that might not come again, so I approached it with passion." (Herald Economy) Her willingness to push herself—whether in the kitchen or through charitable giving—has become a hallmark of her public image.
Lee’s story is emblematic of a broader trend among younger South Korean celebrities and influencers, who are increasingly using their platforms to champion social causes. By channeling the proceeds from her popular YouTube channel into a targeted charitable initiative, Lee is setting an example for how digital-era figures can make a tangible difference. Her approach, rooted in transparency and personal conviction, has garnered widespread admiration and is likely to inspire others to follow suit.
As she moves forward, Lee Hye-sung’s commitment to both her audience and her chosen causes appears unwavering. Her message—delivered with sincerity, ambition, and a touch of vulnerability—reminds us that the act of giving is not bound by age, assets, or circumstance. For Lee, and perhaps for a growing number of her peers, philanthropy is not just a milestone, but a way of life.