Kim Seon-yeong, a Korean War veteran and legacy donor to the Community Chest of Korea, signs a legacy donation pledge. [Community Chest of Korea]
Kim Seon-yeong, a Korean War veteran and legacy donor to the Community Chest of Korea, signs a legacy donation pledge. [Community Chest of Korea]

A 97-year-old Korean War veteran who was shot during the conflict has pledged to donate part of his estate to society.

According to the Community Chest of Korea, Kim Seon-yeong, a resident of a veterans' care facility in Gyeonggi Province, signed a legacy donation pledge on Monday, joining the organization's legacy donor group known as the "Legacy Club."

"Even speaking a single word is painful for me," Kim said, "but I hope this good deed spreads widely and inspires others to join in giving." He underwent hip fracture surgery late last year.

Kim served with the Korean Constabulary during the war, sustaining a gunshot wound to the armpit and an injury to his fingers amid the fierce fighting.

It was a fellow veteran living next door at the same facility who prompted him to make the pledge.

"My neighbor's encouragement gave me a lot to think about," Kim said. "I came to believe that sending the money I saved penny by penny to where it is needed most is another form of patriotism."

His neighbor, Cho Jang-seop, pledged a legacy donation to the Community Chest of Korea in March last year and encouraged Kim to do the same.

Kim Seon-yeong, a Korean War veteran and legacy donor to the Community Chest of Korea. [Community Chest of Korea]
Kim Seon-yeong, a Korean War veteran and legacy donor to the Community Chest of Korea. [Community Chest of Korea]

In making the pledge, Kim also expressed his wish to help children struggling with the cost of medical treatment.

"Every time I saw children suffering on TV because they couldn't afford treatment, my heart ached," he said. "I want to contribute to saving young lives that are just beginning."

Community Chest of Korea Chairman Yun Yeo-jun paid tribute to Kim, saying, "In his youth he risked his life to defend the country, and in his old age he practices love for his neighbors through giving — I extend my deepest respect to Kim Seon-yeong."

The Legacy Club, established in 2013, honors the wishes of donors who have pledged legacy gifts and provides legal and administrative support. Donors may contribute a wide range of assets, including real estate, cash, insurance proceeds and securities.


ygmoon@heraldcorp.com