It’s not surprising that some of the biggest stars of Korea’s Hallyu Wave, beloved by both their Korean and Japanese fans, and having had so much success in Japan, have been particularly affected by the news of the disaster.
Representatives for Kwon Sang Woo, Lee Byung Hun and Choi Ji Woo, respectively, have expressed the sorrow and shock the actors felt upon hearing and following the news, and also state that they are currently deliberating the best ways to help the victims. Jang Dong Gun, who was on the set of his upcoming film, “My Way” when he heard the news, as well as Won Bin who was out of the country when the news of the earthquake struck, are also planning on helping, according to their agencies. Ryu Si Won, who has a local agency in Japan, and was planning to depart Korea on the 13th for Japanese promotions starting the 14th (now cancelled), has been deeply saddened by the events and plans to write a letter to his fans expressing his sorrow. Bae Yong Joon, lovingly referred to as “Yongsama” by his adoring Japanese fans, is no stranger to helping the country when in need. In 2004, he donated 3 million Won to the relief efforts of the Japanese earthquakes and Asian tsunami and has even established a charity organization known as the “Miso Project” with labelmate and Hallyu idol, Kim Hyun Joong.
Although their hearts are heavy right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if they all soon donated some of the earnings they made through the Hallyu wave to help the people of Japan. It would be amazing if they could all band together and host a telethon to raise money in the ROK like George Clooney, WyClef Jean, and a host of other celebrities did for Haiti here in the US with the “Hope for Haiti Now” campaign. With their Hallyu celebrity status, I’m sure that they would be able to raise a ton of money from their fans throughout the country.
(naver)
Regarding Hallyu stars in Japan at the time of the earthquake, Han Hyo Joo who was in Toyko’s Shibuya district at the time of the earthquake to promote her recent drama “Dong Yi,” returned to Korea on the 12th, while Shin Mina who was also in Tokyo at the time of the quake and who had a host of promotional activities lined up before the start of the airing of “My Girlfriend is a Gumiho” on the 21st, has cancelled all further activities and returned to Korea on the 13th.
Han Hyo Joo
Shin Mina
And lastly, KPOP girl group and recent Japanese success, KARA, has returned home safely to Korea as well. The group had just wrapped the filming of their J-dorama “URAKARA” when the earthquake hit, and as of now it is unclear what will happen to their promotional schedule.
Members Ji young and Hara have also tweeted their condolences upon their return:
Jiyoung (@kkangii): Everyone, we’re all safe and sound back in Korea! No worries!! To everyone in Japan, we’re already have in Korea safe and sound. Is everyone alright?! I hope nothing terrible happens anymore! Ganbatte everyone!!!!!
Hara (@_sweethara): I want to send out my heart.
benbenkr (trans jing’s tweet), omonaitswennie (trans hara’s tweet)
And, here’s how you can help- donate to the charitable organization of your choice:
• Canadian Red Cross
• American Red Cross
• Doctors without Borders
• The Salvation Army
• Oxfam
• Global Living
• Care
• ShelterBox
Canada: Text REDCROSS to 30333 to donate $10
USA: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10
UK: Text REDCROSS to 57500 to donate €5
Or buy the “Help Japan” poster above, by going here.
I’m glad all our favorite actors and idols are safe, but please do what you can for the people of Japan during this devastatingly difficult time.
