LEE SEUNGGI: A REMINDER THAT GOODNESS ALWAYS WINS
January 13, 2023. Lee Seung-gi’s first birthday since the news of his legal battle with his former agency broke.
He celebrated his 36th birthday (international age) by fulfilling his promise to help those in need.
The Korea Times reported that Seung-gi gave the Korean Red Cross 550 million won ($442,250), which will be utilized to create bloodmobiles and mobile meal service vehicles for disaster relief operations.
He had previously given the Seoul National University Children’s Hospital 2 billion won ($1.58 million) to upgrade the facilities.
On December 16, Hook Entertainment said that they have placed all outstanding funds into Seung-gi’s account. Seung-gi responded to this statement with a heartfelt Instagram post.
Seung-gi admitted that he had spent days blaming himself for the betrayal, which was aggravated by Hook’s insinuation that he was only pursuing legal action for financial gain. He accompanied the post with a photo of himself when he was younger.
He vowed that he would make it his mission to ensure that the abuse he endured is not settled solely through monetary compensation and that any money he receives, less legal fees, will be donated to those in need.
“I have lived until now without knowing of my music profits. Of course, the 5 billion won I received today is such a big and valuable amount of money to me. It contains the sweat of my teens, 20s, and 30s. However, if this money can be used for those who are more in need than me, the happiness and value I feel will exceed that of just 5 billion won.
And more than anything, many people supported me through this incident. I received a lot of strength as you felt anger with me and comforted me. Thank you for once again making me feel that I am someone who is loved. I will return that love at least a little bit by giving back to society.” (English translation of Seung-gi’s Instagram post from Soompi)
Full post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmN46USrZ34/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
The post has received 1,398,482 likes and nearly 50,000 comments from celebrities and the general public. His “Vagabond” and “Master in the House” co-star, Shin Sung-rok, whose comment cheering Seung-gi received 9,805 likes, was among those who showed their support. Other celebrities who liked the post included Seung-gi’s -close friend, actress Han Hyo-joo, actors Lee Sang-yoon, Lee Ji-hoon, Ahn Bo-hyun, FT ISLAND’s Lee Hong-ki, 2PM’s Ok Taec-yeon, GOT7’s Jay B, and comedian Yoo Se-yoon.
People who have met Seung-gi in the past have also been posting stories about his benevolence in the comments section.
Seung-gi was honored with the Daesang (Grand Award) at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards. In his speech, he stated that he decided to attend despite his circumstances because the award was intended to recognize the efforts of everyone who contributed to the creation of the dramas.
To lighten the serious vibe, he told his colleagues that his shaved head was not a personal act of rebellion, but rather a requirement for a role in a film he was working on. He also took the time to emphasize that the reason he is pursuing legal action is not for the money, but for the rights that he and his fellow artists deserve.
Although there are many terrible things in the world, Seung-gi serves as a reminder that goodness always wins. He took the risk by telling the truth and picked the less-travelled path. He was already a good person, but his difficulties made him even better. A triple threat star who is excellent at everything and is now a threat to those who wish to exploit upon the frailties of others.
Seung-gi spent the first half of his life thinking of himself as a “minus singer,” yet he persisted in performing with all of his heart.
He is a living embodiment of what the great Greek philosopher Epictetus said:
“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”
He shared yet another birthday photo. He is surrounded by the gifts he received this time, with a simple caption thanking his fans. He might not be able to turn back the clock on those 18 years, but if his smile is any indication, things are getting better. You have the support of good people, Seung-gi. You deserve to have the best days ahead of you.
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