A virtuous cycle of giving for children in need

Home > Opinion > Columns

A virtuous cycle of giving for children in need

Published: 04 May. 2026, 00:04

Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI

Lee Sung-hee

The author is the chair of the Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Korea was officially recognized as an advanced economy in July 2021 when the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development unanimously reclassified it into the “developed country group.” Yet even in such a country, around 1,600 children under the age of 18 are newly diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year. Despite the nation’s fertility rate falling below 1.0 in 2018 and reaching 0.8 last year, the number of young patients has not declined.

Bae Kyung-hoon, deputy prime minister and minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning, dressed as Santa Claus, visits the Korea Cancer Center Hospital in Nowon District, Seoul, on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2025, to encourage children and adolescent cancer patients undergoing treatment. [MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND ICT]

The government has recently lowered the threshold for financial assistance for pediatric cancer treatment as a special measure. Eligibility has been expanded to households earning up to 120 percent of median income, and the maximum support has been raised to 30 million won ($20,370). While this is a timely step, significant blind spots remain.

As the country marks the 104th Children’s Day this year, it is worth revisiting the familiar phrase that children are the future of the nation. Ensuring that children grow up healthy is a fundamental responsibility of society. For those suffering from serious illness, the need for compassion and support is even greater. Established in 2001, the Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation exists to support children who confront pediatric cancer and rare diseases before they have even had the chance to fully step into society. The foundation has focused most of its donations on covering medical expenses and providing educational and emotional support, helping young patients build a path toward reintegration into society.

Although conditions have improved over time, Korea’s culture of giving remains underdeveloped. In the United States, charitable giving is often regarded as a virtue rooted in Puritan traditions. In Korea, however, Confucian values have long emphasized family ties and inheritance. As a result, many people still prioritize wealth within their own families and lineage.

Government tax policy has also faced criticism for failing to encourage donations. In 2014, the system shifted from income deductions to tax credits, reducing incentives for high-value donors. This change led to a noticeable decline in large-scale donations. The contrast with countries such as the United States and Britain, where legal frameworks and generous incentives actively promote giving, is striking. In that sense, Korea’s current system represents a step backward.

There are, however, signs of hope. Small donations among younger generations have been increasing rapidly. New practices have emerged, such as marking birthdays or wedding anniversaries with charitable contributions. Many regular donors faithfully transfer a portion of their monthly income, reflecting a deep sense of commitment. One couple, for example, has spent the past five years celebrating the end of the year by donating a share of their earnings and reaffirming their goals for the coming year. They say they hope for a world where people grow up accustomed to receiving love and, as adults, to sharing it.

More former patients are also taking part in supporting others. A young woman who once battled pediatric cancer now helps organize emotional support events hosted by the foundation, guiding fellow survivors who have successfully reintegrated into society. Another case involves a student who was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in middle school and, after enduring difficult treatment, is now enrolled at KAIST. His mother, who cared for him throughout his illness, now donates regularly to support other families.

Children with rare diseases and their families watch a performance by illusionist Lee Eun-gyeol at a Children’s Day event hosted by Seoul National University Children’s Hospital and its pediatric cancer and rare disease support program at the hospital in Jongno District, Seoul, on May 2, 2025. [KIM SUNG-RYONG]

A former osteosarcoma patient who graduated from Seoul Institute of the Arts now works as a vocal trainer running a music studio. Inspired by singers who visited him during his treatment, he now holds annual charity performances at the end of each year. These efforts offer reassurance to other families and help create a virtuous cycle of giving. They also reflect a broader shift driven by young people in Korea.

Another notable trend is the rise of donations by idol fandoms, including fans of figures such as V, Suga, Doh Kyung-soo, IU, Lim Young-woong and Byeon Woo-seok. These donors, often motivated by admiration for their favorite stars, demand full transparency in how contributions are used. They designate specific purposes for their donations and withdraw support if they detect any misuse.

Such scrutiny has helped clean up opaque practices in the donation sector, effectively turning these supporters into vigilant watchdogs. Their attention and expectations should be welcomed. Their goodwill is a powerful force that helps children recover and rebuild their lives. As Children’s Day approaches, it is hoped that more fandoms will extend their support to young patients in need.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.