Counselor Lee Ho-sun's cumulative donations reach W130m for youth aging out of care

Psychological counselor Lee Ho-sun has been consistently donating a portion of her broadcast earnings to support young people transitioning out of the child welfare system, it was revealed Tuesday.

The disclosure came on tvN STORY's "Lee Ho-sun Counseling Center," which featured a discussion on the theme of "relationships vs. conflict."

During the opening segment, co-host Jang Young-ran spoke candidly about checking social media after tapings. "After we finish recording, I go through SNS looking for reviews — to see if anyone is saying nice things about me," she said.

She then turned to Lee, noting that praise for the counselor had been flooding in. "There are so many posts saying, 'Lee Ho-sun is so beautiful in person,'" Jang said. Lee responded with a broad smile.

Jang also complimented fellow panelist In Gyo-jin, saying viewers had been calling him a "real-life handsome man." In replied by asking, "Which site is that on?" drawing laughs.

In then steered the conversation toward more uplifting territory. "There's even better news than that," he said, before sharing news of Lee's donations.

"Ho-sun recently made a donation for youth aging out of care," In said.

Lee explained her motivation. "I donate for youth preparing for independent living," she said. "They leave orphanages when they turn 18 and enter society. I donated out of a wish, as an adult, that those young people will do well."

She added that the giving has not been a one-time gesture — she consistently sets aside a portion of her broadcast appearance fees for the cause.

Lee has been supporting young people's transition to independent living for some time. Since 2025, she has donated a share of income from lectures and broadcast work to Good Neighbors. She also gave away the prize money she won appearing on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" in January.

Her cumulative donations have reached 130 million won ($96,600). The consistent giving has earned her a place in Good Neighbors' major-donor circle, known as the Neighbors Honor Club, a group for supporters who have contributed 100 million won or more and helped spread a culture of charitable giving.

The funds go toward scholarships, vocational certification programs and daily living support for young people taking their first steps in society on their own.