Words by Tess Becker
The South Korean pop group, Girls’ Generation, is making waves. One of its members, Sooyoung, has donated 300 million KRW, or around $223,975, to an organization working to find a cure for blindness.
Sooyoung has a particular interest in helping the blind due to her father's retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disorder that eventually causes vision loss as cells in the retina break down slowly over time. Her father, Choi Jeong Nam has been a massive proponent of blindness research, even founding the Korean Foundation Fighting Blindness in the early 2000s.
Sooyoung’s donation was sent to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, helping establish a “patient investment fund” called Retina 1.
“We appreciate the efforts made by Korean research teams developing treatment for rare diseases,” Sooyoung said in a statement. “I'm truly excited to contribute to a worthwhile cause that will bring about meaningful change for patients.”
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Life You Can Save. They work to help end malaria around the world. Consider donating.
TB A!ert. They are working towards a future without tuberculosis. Support them here.
Doctors Without Borders. Medical workers supporting people through crises. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
