Actor Lee Ju-seung donates entire W100m prize from survival show, honoring late grandfather's wishes

Actor Lee Ju-seung has donated the entire 100 million won ($64,900) prize he won on a short-drama survival program.

Lee announced the donation Sunday on social media, writing that he had received the 100 million won prize from "Directors Arena." He said his late grandfather, whom he deeply respected and who died this year, had always told him to do good when good things happen.

"Following those words, I donated the full prize to a facility for single-parent families," he added.

Lee also wrote a personal message to his grandfather: "I miss you so much. Please rest in peace, Grandfather. And Coco, receive all the good energy and be happy up in the sky."

Lee had claimed the top prize on ENA's Directors Arena, which wrapped up Friday, beating out a strong field of competitors. The program is a survival show in which video directors compete by producing short dramas.

Immediately after his win, Lee said he was overwhelmed with joy, calling it the first time in his life he had finished first. He credited his victory to the producers, assistant directors, cinematographers, lighting directors, actor Yoon So-i and all the other staff and cast members who, he said, more than made up for his own shortcomings as a director.