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Cha Eunwoo's 2023 ALS donation helps open 76-bed hospital

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The specialized 76-bed facility spans approximately 5,000 square meters across six levels, featuring dedicated rehabilitation zones, visitation areas, and continuous medical support for individuals dependent on ventilators or feeding tubes. Over 200 attendees gathered for the official opening ceremony on March 31, 2025, honoring a mission begun by singer Sean and the late basketball coach Park Seung-il. Construction of the 23.9 billion won facility was financed through a mix of state aid and private philanthropy. Celebrity engagement, including a 10 million won gift from ASTRO member Cha Eunwoo during the 2023 Ice Bucket Challenge, played a key role in driving nationwide awareness.

Key points

  • The new facility delivers South Korea's first round-the-clock specialized nursing environ…: The new facility delivers South Korea's first round-the-clock specialized nursing environment for ALS and severe neuromuscular disease patients.
  • Co-founder Park Seung-il campaigned for the dedicated medical institution for over a deca…: Co-founder Park Seung-il campaigned for the dedicated medical institution for over a decade before passing away in September 2024.
  • Broad public awareness and sustained viral donation drives provided the essential private…: Broad public awareness and sustained viral donation drives provided the essential private capital needed to complete the hospital.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

South Korean actor and singer Cha Eunwoo's contribution to an ALS awareness campaign in 2023 was among the many efforts supporting patients living with the progressive neurological disease. Two years later, the fundraising mission reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Seungil Hope Nursing Hospital in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Reports by Star Today, The Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Times and South Korea's Yonhap News Agency document the journey from celebrity contributions and public donations to the completion of the specialised facility. In July 2023, Cha participated in the 2023 Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by actor Lee Jung-jae. Rather than taking part by pouring ice water over himself, the ASTRO member chose to contribute financially, donating 10 million won to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. According to Star Today, Cha also encouraged greater public attention towards people affected by rare and incurable illnesses and their families. He nominated fellow ASTRO member Yoon San-ha and actors Moon Ga-young and Park Gyu-young to continue the campaign.

The initiative was…

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