Stars who serve as examples for their juniors

Celebrities' good actions on social issues have an impact on those around them. We look back at stars who practice sharing in their daily lives and are taking the lead in spreading meaningful influence.

Actor Choi Bul-am has been carrying out various volunteer activities in prisons since 2000. He serves as the president of the Children's Foundation and teaches plays to juvenile prisoners in prison. In particular, he has continued volunteer work with his wife.

Choi Bul-am appeared on an entertainment show in 2019 and showed himself giving a lecture to inmates at Gimcheon Prison. He revealed an anecdote from his past and conveyed the message, 'Nak's blanket is your baby's blanket,' enjoy it but don't be too happy, and don't be too sad when you're sad. He also emphasized the importance of choosing moderation and balance and wished the prisoners good luck.

Meanwhile, actor Lim Chae-mu has been running an amusement park for 34 years for the happiness of children. The name of the amusement park is ‘Duri Land’. Even though the bank debt alone is 14.5 billion won, Lim Chae-mu still says that ‘children’ are ‘a part of his life.’

Duri Land was created with our own money. We also ran into economic problems. Every time that happens, I overcome the crisis with my wife and continue to protect the children's 'childlike spirit' to this day.

It is said that on Children's Day this year, Duri Land was filled with the sounds of children's laughter. Every year on Children's Day, Duri Land prepares gifts for children who visit. This year it was birthday candles and umbrellas.

Lim Chae-moo usually goes to Duri Land to greet the children on days when there is no filming. It was Lim Chae-mu who appeared at Duri Land this Children's Day without fail.

Actor Yoo Ji-tae is studying social welfare and is consistently doing volunteer work in various fields. In 2009, he became the first man to receive the ‘Seoul City Women’s Award’ in recognition of his good deeds for women.

Yoo Ji-tae said, “People who come to the shelter because of domestic violence have to leave the shelter again after a certain period of time. So the vicious cycle repeats itself. “I thought I needed a halfway house,” he said. Yoo Ji-tae explained the reason for volunteering in various areas, saying, “I think the biggest thing is the desire to share.” It was revealed that Yoo Ji-tae majored in social welfare and conducted various volunteer activities at his own expense.

Celebrities' donations and volunteer work attract the public's attention and encourage participation. The power of celebrities to create a virtuous cycle by simply giving and not ignoring the love they have received from the public. I applaud your warmth in returning the affection.

Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr