AMAZING: KIM SOO HYUN donated up to 5 Million USD (more than 7 billion won) amid personal scandals to support the disastrous FOREST FIRE in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang, South Korea. Furthermore, he also used …
In an extraordinary act of generosity that has stunned fans and critics alike, South Korean actor Kim Soo Hyun has donated a staggering 5 million USD—equivalent to more than 7 billion won—to aid relief efforts for the devastating forest fires that ravaged Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province, in March 2025. The announcement, confirmed by relief organizations on April 6, comes at a tumultuous time for the Hallyu star, whose personal life has been mired in controversy following allegations tied to his past relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-ron. Yet, amid this storm, Kim has not only opened his wallet but also leveraged his massive platform to rally support, proving his commitment to his homeland outweighs the weight of scandal.
The wildfires, which erupted on March 21 in Uiseong and spread across the Yeongnam region, have been dubbed South Korea’s worst-ever natural disaster. Official reports tally 30 deaths, over 119,000 acres of scorched land, and more than 6,000 structures damaged, including historic sites like the Gounsa temple complex. As flames tore through North and South Gyeongsang provinces, displacing 27,000 people, celebrities rushed to contribute—BTS’s V with 200 million won, Stray Kids with 800 million—but Kim’s 5 million USD pledge dwarfs them all, reportedly exceeding the total 2.7 billion won raised by some collective funds. “I wanted to help those who lost everything,” Kim said in a brief statement via Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, his voice steady despite personal turmoil.
That turmoil stems from a scandal that erupted after Kim Sae-ron’s suicide on February 16—Kim’s birthday—reigniting claims of an underage relationship from 2015, when she was 15 and he was 27. A YouTube channel, HoverLab, fueled the fire with alleged evidence, while her family accused Kim’s agency, GOLDMEDALIST, of financial misconduct and neglect post her 2022 DUI. Kim, tearful at a March 31 press conference, denied the underage dating, insisting their romance began in 2019 when she was an adult, and has since sued for defamation. The backlash was swift—Prada and Dinto dropped him, his agency teetered on bankruptcy, and boycott calls hit his upcoming drama Knock-Off. Yet, amid this chaos, Kim’s donation shines as a defiant act of goodwill.
Beyond the cash, Kim went further. Sources say he used his 15 million Instagram followers and X presence to amplify relief efforts, posting pleas for donations and sharing updates on Uiseong’s plight—moves that reportedly spurred a surge in contributions. “He didn’t just give money; he gave hope,” a Hope Bridge official told local media, noting his posts reached millions globally. On X, fans rallied: “Kim Soo Hyun’s heart is bigger than his scandals—5M USD is unreal!” Others marveled at his timing: “Amid all this hate, he’s saving lives—true king.” Even skeptics paused, with one tweeting, “Scandal or not, this is next-level generosity.”
The scale of his gift has raised eyebrows. At 5 million USD, it’s a personal fortune—roughly a third of his estimated 2024 earnings from Queen of Tears—and dwarfs the 100-200 million won pledges from peers like IU and EXO’s Baekhyun. Some speculate it’s a calculated redemption play, especially after he apologized at his press conference for prioritizing his Netflix series over addressing the scandal earlier. “If you call me selfish, I’ll accept it,” he’d said, tears streaming. Critics on X pounced: “5M to buy forgiveness? Too convenient.” But supporters argue it’s consistent with his low-key charity—like a 2022 flood relief donation—done quietly until leaks forced it public.
Uiseong’s scars run deep. The fire, possibly sparked by a grave visitor’s negligence, razed homes and heritage, leaving residents like those in Andong and Yeongdeok reeling. Kim’s funds, channeled through Hope Bridge and the Korean Red Cross, will rebuild homes, aid firefighters, and restore forests, with some earmarked for Gounsa’s treasures. “It’s a lifeline,” a North Gyeongsang official said, as rival parties bicker over disaster reserves cut from 4.8 trillion to 2.4 trillion won last year. Kim’s act has shamed the squabbling, with X users noting, “He’s doing more than the government.”
For Kim, it’s a pivot point. His career’s on a knife-edge—GOLDMEDALIST’s financial woes mount, Knock-Off’s fate wobbles—yet this donation reframes him as a flawed but giving soul. Fans flood X with “#KimSooHyunStrong,” while haters soften: “Maybe he’s not all bad.” Trump’s tariff chaos and Netanyahu’s Vance talks dominate global headlines, but in South Korea, Kim’s 5 million USD stands out—a beacon amid his storm. Whether it silences critics or not, it’s a lifeline for Uiseong, proof that even in scandal, one man’s wealth can rebuild a region’s hope. As the smoke clears, Kim Soo Hyun’s legacy, tarnished yet generous, burns brighter than the fires he’s helping douse.
