Kim Ji-won [Kim Ji-won Instagram]
Kim Ji-won [Kim Ji-won Instagram]

Actor Kim Ji-won has donated 100 million won ($70,400) to Seoul National University Children's Hospital to support children with severe rare and intractable diseases.

The hospital said Monday that Kim made the donation on Friday, designating the funds for ward facility improvements and medical cost support for low-income patients.

Children with severe rare and intractable diseases, pediatric cancers and leukemia often require repeated treatments and surgeries, placing a heavy financial burden on their families. Calls have also grown steadily for upgrades to aging ward facilities for young patients.

"While filming the drama series Doctor X, I heard firsthand about the hardships faced by medical staff and sick children, and that moved me to make this donation," Kim said. "I sincerely want to express my gratitude and support to the medical teams, the young patients and their families who are working so hard."

Hospital director Chae Jong-hee expressed gratitude, saying the funds would help families struggling with medical costs and ensure that children traveling from across the country can focus on their recovery in a safe and welcoming environment.

Seoul National University Children's Hospital opened in 1985 as Asia's first specialized university children's hospital and has led pediatric healthcare in Korea and abroad for more than four decades.

The SBS drama series "Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia" marks Kim's return to television two years after her 2024 hit "Queen of Tears." She plays Gye Su-jeong, a brilliant surgeon who takes on corruption in a medical world driven by money and power. The show is set to premiere in October.


paq@heraldcorp.com