Shin Young-Kyun, a long-time leading actor, who was said to be a miser for so many years, has changed his image to a donor with 50 billion won [US $35 million] contributions to various charitable causes.
According to Spoen Newsei, Shin, who appeared in 294 films after he debuted in 1956, had been criticized for being stingy in the film industry for his decades-long career.
Although he was infamous for ordering his familiar jjajangmyeon dishes (a Korean noodle dish), fans and peers called him "salty" or "stingy."
Shin said, "My donation is only a starting point. I've made a lot of money, and I think I should blow it on nice stuff before I die."
Shin, a Seoul National University graduate who worked briefly as a dentist, has since moved on to become a successful actor.
He has starred in films ranging from Yeonsangun to The Five Marines and Daewongun. When he retired from acting in 1978, he set about working in the business and political fields and became a member of the National Assembly.
In 2006, Shin started charitable activities, donating his funds for the golden wedding anniversary of his family to the needy.
His family members were delighted by his decision to donate 100 million won ($70K+) to help those in need.
But that was hardly the end of his contributions. He has donated the Myungbo Theater, which is worth 50 billion won ($35M), and the Jeju Film Museum, which cost him 10 billion won ($7M) to build, in 2010.
He also backed educational institutions, including his own alma mater, Seoul National University and Sogang University.
His generosity never seemed to quell the rumors of a miserly bent. His son, Shin Eon-sik, explains that this misunderstanding derived from his father's thrifty disposition.
Shin has won many awards throughout his professional life, among them the three Best Actor Awards presented at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and, in 1987, the Order of Civil Merit.
It seems that he feels he has done his due diligence as a philanthropist—his family is very much behind him in his choices to donate to the places he does.
He said, "My granddaughter called me over in the United States, and she said, 'Grandpa, you're really cool.' I was happy to hear that."
Shin hopes that his impactful donations will not only encourage others to give back to society but also change their mindset when it comes to wealth and generosity.
