Lee Hyori’s Generous Donation To A Stigmatized Korean Social Group Draws Attention

A sizable donation to The Beautiful Foundation by Lee Hyori recently grabbed the media’s attention.

The Beautiful Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to provide aid and assistance to the “underprivileged, the disenfranchised, and those who fall through the cracks.”

One of the groups that the organization works with is single mothers. While single parenting scenarios are generally stressful, no matter the country, South Korean society is known to be harsh toward unwed mothers. In terms of their socioeconomic status, lack of social support, and high level of discrimination owing to societal stigma have turned single mothers into a highly vulnerable population group in the country.

They are more likely to live in poverty and socially isolated, with less access to physical and mental health care. The section of Korean society that still strictly attaches itself to the traditional values of family structure does not perceive single mothers in a humane light, so taking a stand to support them in public could warrant criticism.

But being the fearless and badass woman she is, Lee Hyori seems unbothered by the stigma. The singer donated ₩300 million KRW (about $221,000 USD) to The Beautiful Foundation on October 19 to support single mothers in need. The fund will provide emergency aid to low-income single mothers and customized vocational training, education, and social networking through the Single Parent Women’s Resurgence Support Project.

The project’s mission is to prepare single mothers to obtain financial independence and be a part of specific social networks to help them create a stable parenting environment.

Talking about her association with this project, Lee Hyori said that it is a “small action” on her part to help make the world a better place.

I want to support the brilliant lives of single mothers. And, going forward, I want to keep donating to shed light on how beautiful it is to share and care for our neighbors.

— Lee Hyori

Previously, the K-Pop diva donated to the same foundation to help disadvantaged senior citizens who needed heating resources during winter.