'Three generations ruined by independence activism' — YouTuber Kim Sun-tae donates W10m to descendants of independence fighters

YouTuber Kim Sun-tae donated 10 million won ($7,070) of his own money to descendants of independence movement patriots ahead of Liberation Day on Saturday.

Kim posted a video on his YouTube channel Friday showing his visit to the Anti-Japanese Independence Movement History Museum in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province.

In the video, the local Korean Liberation Association chapter head described the hardships facing descendants, citing the old saying — "three generations are ruined by independence activism, three generations prosper by collaborating with Japan" — as not wrong. He added that 10 of the 96 Korean Liberation Association members under his jurisdiction are living on basic welfare benefits or are classified as near-poverty households.

In response, Kim said, "It breaks my heart that the state's compensation for those who devoted themselves to the nation is still insufficient," and handed over 10 million won in support funds to the Korean Liberation Association.

He then personally visited the home of a descendant of independence fighters — a great-great-grandchild of righteous army commander Yu In-seok and a great-grandchild of righteous soldier Yu Je-ham — and delivered a separate donation to express his gratitude for the sacrifices of independence activists.

Kim said he had wrestled with how to handle the financial difficulties of the descendants as content. "I was cautious about simply highlighting their hardships," he said. "I wanted to contribute in a small way, with a heart that honors their great sacrifice and spirit."