Cartoonist Heo Young-man donates to charity as 'Baekban Giyaeng' wraps after 7 years

Cartoonist Heo Young-man has capped seven years of the TV Chosun program "Sikhek Heo Young-man's Baekban Giyaeng," a food-travel show, with a donation to the Community Chest of Korea, sharing the affection he received through the show with those in need.

The Community Chest of Korea announced Thursday that Heo had donated the funds to pass on the love he received through "Baekban Giyaeng" to his neighbors.

A donation ceremony was held Thursday at the TV Chosun building in Jung-gu, Seoul. Heo's son Heo Seok-gyun, chief executive of Heo Young-man Co., attended on his father's behalf, along with TV Chosun Chairman Hong Du-pyo and Lee Sang-ik, acting secretary-general of the Community Chest of Korea.

Since his debut in 1974, Heo has established himself as one of South Korea's most celebrated cartoonists, with works including "Sikhek," "Tajja," "Gakshital" and "Oh! Han River." Beyond his creative output, he has maintained a steady record of giving — donating cold-weather supplies and daily necessities for the homeless since 2004, and contributing prize money and royalties from "Sikhek" to charitable causes.

"Sikhek Heo Young-man's Baekban Giyaeng," which first aired in 2019, won a strong following by introducing humble home-style meals and regional flavors from across the country. Heo stepped down from the program for health reasons after its 353rd episode, which aired June 21.

"My father said he received far more love than he deserved while traveling the country over the past seven years through 'Baekban Giyaeng,'" Heo Seok-gyun said. "He told us the warm neighbors he met along the way came to mind, and that he wanted to share that happiness with those who need a helping hand."

In keeping with Heo's wishes, the donation will be used to help vulnerable neighbors stay healthy through the hot summer months.

The Community Chest of Korea is a social welfare corporation established in November 1998 under the Community Chest of Korea Act. It works to identify and address welfare blind spots that fall outside the reach of government support.