Rapper and philanthropist Sean shared the untold story of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and the long journey to establishing Korea’s first ALS care hospital.
On the September 6 episode of MBC’s Point of Omniscient Interfere (전지적 참견 시점), Sean visited the newly opened Lou Gehrig Nursing Hospital , which was built through years of fundraising efforts. He recalled,
“It all started in 2009 when I met the late Park Seung Il, a professional basketball player and youngest-ever coach who battled ALS. For 16 years we worked toward this dream, and it finally came true,” Sean said.
He revealed the staggering cost of the project: “At first, we thought it would take around 10 billion KRW, but when the hospital opened in March this year, the total cost was 239 billion KRW.”
Sean also reflected on his role in introducing the Ice Bucket Challenge to Korea in 2014. The campaign, which mimicked the symptoms of ALS by enduring the shock of ice-cold water, went viral as celebrities like G-Dragon, Yoo Jae Suk, and Jun Hyun Moo joined in. Donations from the challenge helped purchase land for the hospital.
However, not all reactions were positive. Sean recalled the skepticism the campaign faced in Korea:
“In Korea, people think donations must always be solemn and serious. With the Ice Bucket Challenge, people laughed and poured ice water over themselves, so some criticized it saying, ‘Why not just donate instead of doing a challenge?’”
He added that this perception discouraged some from participating: “Those nominated often felt burdened. Without the challenge, donations would simply end after one act. In Korea, it lasted just a month.”
In contrast, Sean pointed to the U.S., where the campaign continued for over a year and raised more than 200 billion KRW . “Americans had an open mind — they thought, if it’s fun and helps someone, then it’s good.”
Looking ahead, Sean announced plans for the 4th Ice Bucket Challenge to mark the hospital’s grand opening: “My hope is that in 2025, Koreans will feel it’s okay to be fun with giving. Sharing doesn’t always need to be heavy.”
Through his words, Sean highlighted a powerful message: donations can be both meaningful and joyful, breaking away from rigid perceptions of charity in Korea.
Sources: Star News,Nate Entertainment
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