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S. Korean civic fund for unification surpasses 1 mln donors in just 169 days

December 23, 2015

The foundation that was formed just 169 days ago said a little more than 1 million donors from the private and corporate sectors have made donations to its Tongil Nanum Fund, which was launched on July 7. (Newsis)

SEOUL (Yonhap) — A South Korean civic fund raising money for possible unification with North Korea has surpassed 1 million donors, the fund’s operator said Wednesday.

Tongil and Nanum Foundation said a little more than 1 million donors from the private and corporate sectors have made donations to its Tongil Nanum Fund, which was launched on July 7. The fund has received some 220 billion won (US$187 million).

“Tongil” is the Korean word for unification, while “Nanum” means sharing.

President Park Geun-hye offered her congratulations, saying, “Tongil Nanum Fund will play an important role in restoring a sense of homogeneity between the two Koreas and in forming a consensus on unification.”

“We need to be thoroughly prepared for an unfamiliar journey toward unification,” Park added. “If more of us can come together as one and hope and prepare for unification, then I am sure we will be welcoming the moment of unity.”

Park also said the government is doing its part to lay groundwork for peaceful unification of the Koreas, and it’s trying to recover mutual trust by supporting civilian exchanges and expanding inter-Korean communication channels.

Ahn Byung-hoon, head of the foundation, said reaching over 1 million donors in such a short period was “a miracle.”

“Our fund will be used to support projects designed to promote unification,” Ahn added.