Broadcaster Lee Seung-yoon has made headlines by donating 10 million won to assist with recovery efforts from recent wildfires in Ulsan and Gyeongnam. On March 25, 2025, the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association announced the generous contribution from Lee, who expressed his heartbreak over the damages suffered by countless neighbors due to the disaster.
Lee stated, "I couldn't just stand idly by after hearing the news of the damage caused by the wildfires. I decided to donate in hopes of offering my help to those who have lost their homes and are enduring tough times, even if just in a small way." His words resonate deeply, revealing a commitment to altruism that he has demonstrated through various charitable acts.
Also on March 25, actor Im Si-wan donated 30 million won to the same cause, acknowledging the significant distress felt by individuals who lost their homes during the sudden wildfires. Since the Gangwon wildfire incident in 2019, Im has accumulated a donation total of 200 million won through Hope Bridge, reinforcing his dedication to disaster relief.
Alongside Lee and Im, actress So Yu-jin also contributed 30 million won via the Korean Red Cross. Yu-jin, who has been a public relations ambassador for the organization since 2019, expressed her hope that her donation would assist those who have unfortunately lost their livelihoods due to the wildfires. She also voiced her support for the safety of relief workers on the ground.
Lee Seung-yoon has been active in disaster relief efforts since 2019, and at a recent honorary induction ceremony for Hope Bridge's 'Honors Club,' he revealed his profound love for nature, stating, "Nature is like my job and other jobs." His ongoing commitment to both nature and his community illustrates a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
Shin Heung, Secretary General of Hope Bridge, elaborated on the impact of Lee’s donation, emphasizing that it embodies more than a mere act of charity. He stated, "Lee Seung-yoon's donation conveys a heart that embraces nature and people together, giving even greater comfort. Hope Bridge will work tirelessly to help victims restore their daily lives."
In the aftermath of the wildfires, Hope Bridge has actively engaged in emergency relief efforts in affected areas, including Uiseong-gun, Gyeongbuk, and Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam. They are providing essential supplies and operating laundry relief trucks and psychological recovery buses at the Im Si-wan Peace Center. These efforts highlight the organization’s commitment to aiding those impacted by the disaster.
The Korean Red Cross has also joined the relief initiative by conducting an emergency fundraising campaign aimed at supporting victims of the devastating wildfires, set to continue until April 22, 2025. This concerted effort reflects a broader communal response to an urgent humanitarian need prompted by the recent calamity.
Lee Seung-yoon's inspiring actions, paired with those of his fellow celebrities, exemplify the positive influence individuals can have in the face of adversity. By refusing to turn a blind eye to the simultaneous wounds suffered by both nature and the people within it, they are setting an example of compassion and community engagement. Such acts serve as reminders of how, even in the darkest times, there are those who step forward to lend a hand and help their neighbors rebuild their lives.
