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Stars worldwide offer condolences, donations

April 21, 2014

By Park Si-soo

Many K-pop musicians, actors and sports stars continued to offer their prayers and condolences for those affected by the capsizing of the ferry Sewol.

Actor Song Seung-heon and pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin of the Los Angeles Dodgers donated 100 million won ($96,300) each to support the ongoing rescue operations. Actor Jung Il-woo of the drama “Reply 1994” donated 30 million won, saying “My heart goes out to those affected by the horrific disaster.”

UAA, an agency representing actress Song Hye-kyo, and actors Kang Dong-won and Yoo Ah-in, sent hundreds of blankets, soap, toothbrushes and other living necessities to Jindo, South Jeolla Province, where relatives of the missing are gathered.

Several foreign entertainers, including Taiwanese actress Wu Ying Jie, British musician Mika, Dutch singer Wouter Hamel and Belgian singer Frederik Sioen, joined the move, lamenting the manmade tragedy.

There were many concerts and album releases canceled or postponed due to the nightmarish event. Major broadcasters also canceled the airing of all entertainment shows for the weekend. Insiders say it’s hard to predict when these programs will resume airing.

“My heart goes out to all those people waiting for unaccounted relatives. Deeply sad to watch,” Mika wrote on his Twitter.

Hamel wrote, “Terrible news from Korea. I can’t imagine what their families must be going through. It’s a nightmare.”

Sioen tweeted, “I heard the terrible news about the South Korea Ferry. So sad! My sympathy to all families and others involved!! Big hug!”

Taiwanese actress Wu posted an image of praying hands with a short condolence message on her Weibo account.

Announcing a cash donation, actor Song wrote on his Twitter, “I express my deepest condolence to those who died. I hope all of those unaccounted for will return alive.” Actress Park Shin-hye also shared her condolences for the ferry disaster, saying, “Please, please let them be safe. Please let there be no more deaths … I’m praying and praying.”

The deadly accident took place on April 16, forcing top K-pop boy band EXO to postpone its group interview and its appearance on KBS TV’s music show.

Meanwhile, both networks and cable television continued to shelve planned airings of entertainment programs while a few channels resumed airing of dramas.