Lee Young-ae funds concert for officers
Actress Lee Young-ae fully funded a concert for noncommissioned officers, shelling out 400 million won ($344,000).
The concert was held Friday night at Jangchung Gymnasium in Jangchung-dong, Jung District, central Seoul. About 4,000 war veterans and their families were invited to the concert.
The donation by the actress was made public by the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy on Friday.
“Lee has fully sponsored the concert knowing that the concert would be held to commemorate war veterans who have sacrificed themselves for the country,” the academy said in a press release.
Lee has been active in charitable work.
The actress donated 50 million won in August to two soldiers who were seriously injured by land mines placed in the demilitarized zone by North Korea.
The 44-year-old actress also helped a Taiwanese mother last July. Lee donated 100 million won to the Taiwanese woman who prematurely gave birth to a baby after she accidentally fell during her trip to Seoul. Her baby reportedly weighed about 1 kilogram (2 pounds) and was diagnosed with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease. Lee said she wanted to help the baby’s parents, who had mounting medical bills.
Meanwhile, Lee will return to the small screen for the first time in 11 years with the new drama series “Saimdang: The Herstory” next year.
The drama series will depict the life of historical figure Shin Saimdang, who appears on the 50,000 won banknote. She was a famed calligrapher, painter and mother of scholar Yulgok during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Lee will play a double role in the drama series, which jumps between the Joseon Dynasty and modern Seoul. Lee plays the roles of Shin Saimdang and Seo Ji-yun, a contemporary college lecturer who teaches Korean art history.
Lee’s last project was the 2003 hit drama series “Dae Jang Geum,” also known as “Jewel in the Palace.”
By Sung So-young
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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