K-drama actors are doing what they can to help rescue efforts in the recent Sewol ferry disaster and to aid the families of victims.
The disaster happened last week when a ferry bound from Inchon to Jeju Island capsized, but the rescue efforts continue. So far 179 people have been rescued and 60 bodies recovered. More than 200 passengers, most of them teenagers, are still missing.
Actor Song Seung Hoon, star of the film "Human Addiction," donated almost $100,000 to help with the search and rescue efforts. He donated the money through the Salvation Army.
On Twitter, the actor said that he was watching the sad news and praying.
"I want to express my condolences to the victims and pray the others are safe," he said. It's not the first time that the actor had donated money to victims of a disaster. He previously gave money to the victims of a Japanese earthquake.
Actress Ha Ji Won, who currently stars in "Empress Ki," donated almost $100,000 to the Community Chest of Korea to help victims' families. Her agency said the actress was in shock after hearing about the incident.
According to her agency Sun and Moon Entertainment, Ha Ji won has always felt special affection for children and teenagers, having organized scholarships for teens and donated hospital fees for visually impaired children.
"With this recent accident, she was in a lot of pain after hearing that most of the victims were teenagers," said a Sun and Moon Entertainment representative.
Jung Il Woo, who just finished filming the drama "Golden Rainbow, pledged almost $30,000 to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.
Some actors prefer to donate through their entertainment agencies but his agency, Star K Entertainment did not even know about his donation until later.
"We had no idea that he called them himself to donate," said a Star K representative. "We saw the reports and confirmed it after the fact. He wanted to help as much as he could so he decided to donate."
On Joo Wan, Song Seung Hoon's "Human Addiction" co-star also made a donation of $1,000 although he modestly noted that it could not compare.
According to the Korean Salvation Army, the actor called their headquarters and wanted to help.
"I was watching the news day and night hoping for a miracle," said On Joo Wan. "Compared to Song Seung Hoon, the amount I donated is nothing. But during hard times, acts of kindness should inspire more, so I decided to call. I wish I could help more."
The Salvation Army said that the actor also offered to help with fundraising.
Song Hye Kyo, Kang Dong Won and Yoo Ah In, also donated relief goods to families of the missing victims.
According to United Artists Agency, which represents them, the actors wanted to help so they sent relief goods. They did not want to make a big deal out of the donation so they sent it through their agency.
It's nice to see k-drama celebrities do their part to help the victims of this tragedy