Bae Yong-joon and Park Soo-jin, notable figures from South Korea's entertainment industry, have made headlines once again, this time for their generosity. The couple has recently donated to Iolani School, a prestigious private institution located in Honolulu, Hawaii. Their names are included on the donor list for the 2023-2024 year, where they are recognized as contributing between $10,000 and $24,999. The exact amount wasn’t disclosed, but it’s estimated to be approximately 14.4 to 36 million won.
The couple has been living in Hawaii since 2022, moving there for their children’s education and lifestyle preferences. Iolani School is renowned for its high college admission rates and Asian student enrollment, boasting 2,200 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Annually, the school publishes its list of donors to express gratitude for their support, reinforcing the importance of community involvement.
Bae Yong-joon, often referred to as one of the biggest stars of the Korean Wave, rose to fame with his roles on various television dramas, most famously his leading character in KBS's "Dream High." Since 2011, he has been mostly out of the public eye, marking his hiatus from acting. Park Soo-jin, on the other hand, also took a step back from her career after appearing on the culinary reality show "Ok-Sudong’s Prodigies" and has faced speculation about retirement.
Married since 2015, the couple shares two young children—a son born in 2016 and a daughter born in 2018. Their family life has been under occasional scrutiny, particularly after Bae Yong-joon faced allegations related to preferential treatment for their son during his stay at the newborn intensive care unit. These controversies led both stars to withdraw from public activities, fueling rumors of their retirement from the entertainment world.
The recent donation has reignited public interest, particularly surrounding their life changes post-retirement rumors. Observers note this act of philanthropy as significant, especially within the fabric of American culture, where charitable giving is often viewed as part of community responsibility. Their contributions, albeit modest relative to their personal wealth, reflect the couple’s commitment to their local educational environment.
Educational institutions like Iolani School are known for nurturing future leaders, often sending graduates to top colleges across the United States. By supporting such foundations, Bae and Park are not only aiding the school financially but are also aligning themselves with the ethos of educational empowerment.
While the couple maintains privacy, they have shared snapshots of their family life intermittently. Notably, Park Soo-jin updated her social media followers on her children’s art creations, though this specific post drew public attention and was removed shortly after, indicating the couple’s desire to stay under the radar.
Bae Yong-joon and Park Soo-jin’s donation sheds light on the continuing contributions of celebrities beyond their immediate careers. It serves as a reminder of the broader role public figures can play within their communities, opening pathways for discussions about philanthropy and the responsibility often associated with fame. The couple’s decision to donate, particularly to such a prominent school, could inspire other stars to engage similarly with their communities.
Their life story continues to evolve, as does their impact on society through generosity, possibly hinting at a new chapter for the family as they forge their path away from the limelight.