Kim Hee-chul gives $72,000 for flood relief

Boy band Super Junior’s Kim Hee-chul donated 100 million won ($72,000) to support recovery efforts in southern Korea following damage from torrential rain, the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association said Monday.

Kim reached out to the association directly to check its donation account after learning of the flood damage in areas including Geoje and Tongyeong, both in South Gyeongsang, according to Hope Bridge. The funds will go toward recovery work and support for residents displaced by the flooding.

“I realized that the damage was far more serious than I had thought after seeing news that parts of the southern region had been designated as special disaster zones by the government,” Kim said through the association. “To me, when you decide to make a donation, you should act on it right away without hesitation for that intention to fully reach the people who need it.”

“I hope this can provide even a little support to those working hard on recovery efforts in the heat and to those affected by the disaster,” he said. “I hope everyone stays strong until the end and can return to their peaceful daily lives as soon as possible.”

Kim debuted as a member of Super Junior in 2005 under SM Entertainment. The boy band is best known for various songs including “Sorry, Sorry” (2009), “Mr. Simple” (2011) and “Devil” (2015).

Beyond his group activities, Kim has been active on variety shows. He was a fixture on JTBC's "Knowing Bros" (2015-) for 11 years before taking a break from the show in May. He also appears on the show "Love War," which premiered this year, as a regular panelist.

BY KIM HA-YOON [[email protected]]