Lee Seung-gi donates ￦2B to Seoul National University Children's Hospital

Singer Lee Seung-gi, left, and Kim Yeon-su, the hospital director at the Seoul National University Hospital [SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL]

Actor Lee Seung-gi donated 2 billion won ($1.58 million) to the Seoul National University Children’s Hospital in Jongno District, central Seoul, on Thursday.

According to a press release by his PR team on Friday, Lee decided to donate to the children’s hospital following his continued interest in supporting and doing volunteer work for children over the years.

Lee visited the hospital and said that he “wants to provide a better environment for treating sick children and their family.”

The hospital stated that Lee’s donation will be used in solving issues regarding overcrowded patient rooms and will replace old medical equipment.

A portion of the wards will be named the “Lee Seung-gi Ward” in recognition of his donation.

“Helping children grow healthily and happily is one thing that aids in creating a brighter future for Korea,” Lee said, adding that his support for children is not a “one-time thing” and hopes that he can “help create a proper environment to treat sick children and promote a higher social interest” in the cause.

Lee also gave donations in 2019 and 2022 for pediatric patients and children from low-income families during the pandemic.

Last month, Lee ended his contract with Hook Entertainment upon becoming aware that his agency had failed to pay him fairly. Lee has been a popular singer since his debut in 2004 and released a total of 137 songs over the past 18 years. He claims he had not received any payment for the digital streams or downloads of his songs.

When Lee brought these facts to the Hook executives, they acknowledged their faults and on Dec. 16 paid Lee a total of 5.4 billion won. The same day, Lee said that he would donate the entire amount to charity.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]