Philanthropy, politics and a set of pipes

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Philanthropy, politics and a set of pipes

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Korean singer Kim Jang-hun.

Korean singer Kim Jang-hun may be busy with his career, but that hasn’t kept him from taking on another job.
As an avid philanthropist on the side, Kim has donated about 900 million won ($951,374) to a charity and a few other organizations for the past nine years. Recently the 42-year-old singer donated 500 million won to residents in Taean County, South Chungcheong, who have been struggling since the country’s worst oil spill there last December.
Following his big donation, Kim also went to Taean to volunteer in the cleanup effort for two days last week. In addition, he spends his spare time playing with at-risk children.
With his continuing good works, the singer is deserving of his nickname, the “Giving Angel.” But for Kim, all these good works aren’t enough. The singer says he still has a lot of work to do to help others.
“Whenever I help other people, I feel happy. I prefer giving than taking,” Kim says. “The more I donate, the more love I receive.”
But as a veteran singer with a 17-year career, music is still Kim’s life. Whenever he appears onstage, he is moved to tears.
Even though the singer suffered from mental illness and a shoulder fracture in the past, he has never given up on music. “The hardships that I experienced in the past give me hope, not despair,” Kim says.
The seasoned singer plans to give more than 120 concerts while he visits dozens of cities around the country. His new album will be released soon.
Also, Kim will try to expand his proficiency in a wide range of musical genres such as ballads, hiphop, classical and jazz.
“I have negotiated with officials of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London for a joint concert,” he said. “I love my concerts. I never cancel a concert. There is no excuse.”
Kim has been invited to the presidential inauguration of Lee Myung-bak, which is scheduled for today. He will stand onstage to celebrate the new Korean government and sing the song “Happy Day” in front of a record number of world leaders in attendance.
Kim is the lone invited singer. “I think we need to support the new president even though some people did not vote for him,” Kim says.
Now, some people speculate that Kim’s performance at the inauguration signifies his interest in politics. In a recent survey, the singer was also selected as the No. 1 entertainer fit to enter the political arena.
However, Kim says he wants to sing for the rest of his life while he continues to help other people.
“I just want to sing songs and donate money to charitable organizations. That’s all I want,” Kim said. “I want to be a singer and a philanthropist in people’s minds forever.”


By Chun Su-jin Staff Reporter [sujiney@joongang.co.kr]
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