Korean Celebrities Lead Heartwarming Medical Donations: Jennie, Bae Yong-joon, and Shin Min-ah
A growing wave of philanthropy is emerging from South Korea’s entertainment industry, with major stars extending their generosity beyond the stage and screen to make a positive impact in the medical field. Recent donations from BLACKPINK’s Jennie, actor Bae Yong-joon, and actress Shin Min-ah are inspiring fans and communities alike.
Jennie’s Donation to Seoul National University College of Medicine
On April 30, Jennie donated 100 million KRW to Seoul National University’s College of Medicine to support the cultivation of compassionate medical talent. The Seoul National University College of Medicine Development Fund publicly announced the generous contribution, highlighting its aim to nurture future leaders with empathy, resilience, and dedication.
Dean Kim Jung-eun expressed gratitude, “We deeply appreciate Jennie’s commitment to practicing positive influence. This donation will help foster students who embody inclusion, empathy, and care.”
This donation builds on Jennie’s previous philanthropy, as she also gave 100 million KRW in 2023 through her agency OA Entertainment (ODDATELIER). The funds are earmarked to enhance education, research environments, and foster medical professionals with strong social empathy.
Bae Yong-joon’s Major Contribution to Yonsei Medical Center
In a significant philanthropic move, actor Bae Yong-joon donated 3 billion KRW to Yonsei Medical Center. Announced in the medical center’s December newsletter, the donation was made during a fundraising event attended by Medical Center Director Kim Ki-chang and other officials.
Bae Yong-joon commented, “I hope this donation will contribute to a healthier world for low-income youth and infants and support the medical center’s ongoing growth.”
His contribution is set to aid the development of medical facilities and help cover treatment costs for underprivileged children and infants, reinforcing the medical center’s commitment to social responsibility.
Shin Min-ah’s Decade of Dedicated Support for Burn Patients
Actress Shin Min-ah has been a quiet but consistent philanthropist, donating 100 million KRW annually since 2015 to the Hallym Burn Foundation. Her total contribution has reached an impressive 4 billion KRW, aimed at supporting burn patients who require multiple surgeries and prolonged recovery.
Her donations fund crucial medical and caregiving expenses, focusing on vulnerable groups such as pediatric patients, women, and low-income individuals suffering from burns.
Beyond burn care, Shin Min-ah’s charity work extends to educational support for underprivileged children, heating subsidies for the elderly, aid for North Korean defectors, and emergency relief efforts during crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and floods.
The Growing Impact of Celebrity Philanthropy in Korea
These heartfelt contributions from Jennie, Bae Yong-joon, and Shin Min-ah highlight a growing trend among Korean celebrities who are leveraging their influence and resources to drive meaningful change in society. Their ongoing support not only provides critical assistance to medical institutions and vulnerable populations but also inspires fans and the wider public to engage in positive social impact.
As their quiet philanthropy gains recognition, it serves as a powerful reminder of the warmth and compassion that celebrities can bring to communities in need.
