Former announcer who donated W100m: 'Giving isn't just for the wealthy'

An event bringing together young people through culture and the arts was held to offer comfort amid growing emotional isolation and loneliness in modern society.

The Community Chest of Korea held its first talk concert, "The Fruit Lounge," on Saturday at its hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, featuring goodwill ambassador Lee Hye-seong.

"The Fruit Lounge" is the first talk concert the Community Chest of Korea has organized with a goodwill ambassador, designed to deliver messages of encouragement and sharing to younger generations. The event's name blends the English word "fruit" with the Korean "pureutpureut," meaning youthful vitality, to evoke the ideas of growth and generosity in one's prime.

Held under the theme "Lee Hye-seong's Youth: Bearing Fruit," the event was attended by Lee, Jin Seok-beom, secretary-general of the Community Chest of Korea, Shim Jeong-mi, head of the organization's public relations and media division, and about 120 members of the public.

Speaking on the theme "What comforts me in an age of loneliness," Lee shared personal experiences of finding solace in a society where people are constantly connected online yet struggle to find anyone who truly understands them. She emphasized that even as society changes rapidly, the desire to be understood and comforted by others remains constant, and she spoke about how reading had helped her reflect on herself and find comfort.

A question-and-answer session with attendees followed. Asked about her decision to join the Honor Society and her views on charitable giving, Lee said she made up her mind after meeting Choi Tae-seong, himself an Honor Society member. "I was deeply moved by the way he lived frugally while still practicing great generosity, and I wanted to follow his example," she said.

"Having practiced giving myself, I came to realize that donating is not something only wealthy people do — it is about being mindful of what you have and sharing happiness with others," she added.

Lee, a former KBS announcer from the network's 43rd recruitment class, runs a YouTube channel called "Lee Hye-seong's 1% Book Club." Since being appointed a Community Chest of Korea goodwill ambassador last year, she has appeared in campaign videos and other activities, and joined the Honor Society — a group of major donors who have given 100 million won ($74,500) or more — in April.

Jin Seok-beom, secretary-general of the Community Chest of Korea, said he hoped "The Fruit Lounge" had given attendees a chance to set aside the pressures of their busy lives and share their feelings with one another. "We are grateful to goodwill ambassador Lee Hye-seong for contributing her talents to this meaningful occasion, and the Community Chest of Korea will continue to create diverse opportunities to connect with younger generations and spread the value of giving," he said.