A 1 Billion KRW Gift for Local Talent: Former Honorary Chief Lee Kiyoon's Generous Scholarship Donation

1. Donated 1.17 Billion KRW for Talent Development Since 2006
2. Ongoing Philanthropy Extends to Healthcare and Disaster Relief

Lee Kiyoon, former honorary chief of Danbuk-myeon in Uiseong-gun, North Gyeongsang Province (and CEO of GK Asset), has donated 1 billion KRW in scholarship funds to nurture local talent.

The Uiseong Talent Development Foundation announced on September 16 that, on the previous day, former honorary chief Lee delivered 1 billion KRW to be used for supporting local students’ studies and improving educational environments.

Choyu Cheol, the head of Uiseong Gusoo (left), and Lee Gi-yoon, honorary chief of Danbuk, pose for a commemorative photo for the scholarship donation. Since 2006, they have supported scholarships totaling 1.17 billion KRW and continued social contributions such as donations for wildfire damage relief.
[Photo by Uiseong County]

Former honorary chief Lee served as honorary chief of Danbuk-myeon for about 16 years since 2008, actively engaging in community activities. He received the Moran Medal, Order of Civil Merit, in 2015.

Since 2006, he has continued to make scholarship donations to foster talent in the Uiseong region.

To date, his total scholarship donations amount to 1.17 billion KRW.

He has also been involved in donations to the healthcare and welfare sectors.

From 2016 to 2019, he contributed 3 billion KRW to Yonsei Medical Center to support the development of new lung cancer drugs, the introduction of heavy ion therapy equipment, and the construction of the Yonsei Cancer Center Future Building.

In 2014 and 2015, he walked a total distance of approximately 540 km from Uiseong to Seoul in two separate occasions and donated 100 million KRW to the Gyeonggi Community Chest of Korea, becoming a member of the Gyeonggi Honor Society.

Last year, when a major wildfire broke out in Uiseong, he donated 300 million KRW to support residents affected by the disaster.

He has also supported initiatives such as the Rotary International Scholarship and the Korea National Sport University Development Fund.

Former honorary chief Lee stated, "I made this donation because I wanted to be helpful to future generations," adding, "I hope students will nurture their dreams and grow into talented individuals who contribute to both regional and national development."

Choi Yucheol, chief of Uiseong County, stated, "We will ensure that the donor’s intentions are effectively delivered to the students by pushing forward with our scholarship programs."

The Uiseong Talent Development Foundation plans to use this donation to support student studies and talent development initiatives in the region.

What is even more remarkable than a single large donation is the consistency of Lee’s giving, which has continued for nearly 20 years.

Lee Kiyoon’s ongoing scholarship donations are especially meaningful because they represent an investment in people for the future of the region, going beyond a personal affection for his hometown.

In times of concern over regional decline, the power to nurture talent and encourage them to return and take root locally ultimately stems from sustained attention and commitment to education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.