In a heartfelt gesture, K-pop giant HYBE has pledged 1 billion won (approximately $682,176) to support the restoration efforts for cultural heritage sites ravaged by recent wildfires in rural Korea, as announced on Wednesday. This donation channels through the National Trust for Cultural Heritage (NTCH), an organisation dedicated to the preservation and management of Korea’s rich cultural heritage, established in 2007 under the Korea Heritage Service.
The wildfires impacted at least 33 notable cultural assets, with significant losses recorded at Yeonsujeon of Gounsa, a prominent Buddhist temple in Uiseong County, and Manseru, a scenic pavilion within Bogwang Temple grounds in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang, which holds provincial tangible cultural heritage status. This destructive force has left an indelible mark on these cherished historical sites.
HYBE expressed their profound empathy for the wildfire victims, stating, “As a content-creating corporation deeply involved in the cultural industry, we wanted to provide assistance to restore cultural heritage.” This commitment underscores their role not just as entertainers but also as custodians of Korea’s rich culture.
The NTCH reciprocated with gratitude, emphasising their determination to restore these invaluable cultural treasures swiftly, stating, “We will go above and beyond to restore the priceless cultural heritage by expediting all necessary processes.” It’s a unified call to action to protect and restore the essence of Korea’s cultural identity.
HYBE has donated 1 billion won to restore cultural heritage damaged by wildfires in Korea. The donation goes to the National Trust for Cultural Heritage, aiming to restore 33 affected sites, including a major Buddhist temple and a provincial pavilion. HYBE expressed sympathy for those affected and committed to cultural restoration, while the NTCH vowed to hasten restoration efforts.
HYBE’s generous donation represents a significant step toward healing the wounds left by the wildfires on Korea’s cultural heritage. Their support, coupled with the NTCH’s commitment to restoring the damaged sites, highlights the importance of preserving cultural history amidst environmental challenges. Together, these efforts will work towards rejuvenating the affected cultural landmarks that hold the stories of a rich heritage.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
