Coronavirus in Korea: Daegu-born stars Suga from BTS, Son Ye-jin of Crash Landing on You, Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and Red Velvet’s Irene join the fight against Covid-19
Korean celebrities and idols have been quick to aid the fight against the coronavirus with a host of generous donations, none more so than in the most badly-affected city, Daegu
South Korea has the most recorded cases of Covid-19 outside China, with cases reaching over 4,000, according to The Straits Times. About 90 per cent of this number comes from the city of Daegu, the centre of the outbreak.
Alongside the government’s responses to contain the virus and alleviate the suffering of those affected, entertainment agencies, celebrities and idols have donated to health and welfare organisations to help fight the virus.
Daegu-born actors, singers and entertainment stars make the first move
Billboard reports that BTS’ rapper Suga, a Daegu native, has donated 100 million won (US$83,000) to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. This follows the news that BTS had cancelled its “Map of the Soul” tour in Seoul because of threats to the health of the production crew and concertgoers.
Suga’s donation is said to have inspired many BTS fans to donate their ticket refunds to Hope Bridge. The organisation has more than 8,000 listed donations amounting to about 400 million won from fans, reported The Korea Times.
Girl band Red Velvet’s leader, Irene, who names Daegu as her hometown, has contributed 100 million won to the Social Welfare Community Chest of Daegu, according to Koreaboo.
Korea Times reports that Parasite’s Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho, who was born in Daegu before moving to Seoul, has also donated 100 million to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. Barunson E&A, the production company behind the film, shared 100 million won to support relief efforts, with Parasite actor Song Kang-ho giving the same amount.