Rapper and philanthropist Sean shared the story not told of the challenge of the Als ice bucket and the long journey to establish the first Hospital of Cura of Korea.
In the episode of 6 September of The MBC point of omniscient interferes (Omniscient), Sean visited the new nursing hospital Lou Gehrig, who was built through years of fundraising efforts. He remembered,
“It all started in 2009 when I met the deceased Park Seung Il, a professional basketball player and a younger coach ever who fought the SLA. For 16 years we worked for this dream, and in the end he came true”. Sean said.
Revealed the amazing cost of the project: “At the beginning, we thought that there would be about 10 billion KRW, but when the hospital was opened in March of this year, the total cost was 239 billion KRW.”
Sean also reflected on his role in the introduction of the Challenge of the bucket for ice In Korea in 2014. The campaign, which imitated the symptoms of the SLA by enduring the shock of icy water, became viral while celebrities such as G-Dragon, Yoo Jae Suk and Jun Hyun Moo have joined. Donations from the challenge contributed to buying land for the hospital.
However, not all reactions were positive. Sean recalled skepticism that the countryside faced in Korea:
“In Korea, people think that donations must always be solemn and series. With the challenge of the bucket for ice, people have laughed and poured frozen water on themselves, so some criticized it by saying:” Why not only give to make a challenge instead? “”
He added that this perception has discouraged some from the participation: “The named ones often felt burdened. Without the challenge, the donations would simply end after an act. In Korea, it lasted only a month.”
On the contrary, Sean indicated the United States, where the campaign continued for over a year and has collected over 200 billion KRW. “The Americans had an open mind – they thought, if it’s fun and help someone, then it’s good.”
Looking to the future, Sean announced the plans for the 4th challenge of the bucket for ice Mark the large opening of the hospital: “My hope is that in 2025 the Koreans will feel that it is good to be fun with the gift. Sharing does not always need to be heavy.”
Through his words, Sean has highlighted a powerful message: the donations can be both significant and joyful, detaching the rigid perceptions of charity in Korea.
Sources: Star News, Nate Entertainment
