Yeongung Sidae logs 4.7 billion won in cumulative donations over six years

Fan club recognized for social contributions with Ministry of Health and Welfare minister's award

Singer Im Young-woong [Provided by Mulgogimusic]
Singer Im Young-woong [Provided by Mulgogimusic]

Singer Im Young-woong's fan club, Yeongung Sidae, has received a Ministry of Health and Welfare minister's award for its role in spreading a culture of giving, after accumulating 4.7 billion won ($3.51 million) in donations over six years. The recognition marks an official government endorsement of the fandom's social value, built through years of voluntary fundraising tied to the singer's milestone dates.

The Community Chest of Korea announced Thursday that Yeongung Sidae received the Ministry of Health and Welfare minister's award in the material giving category at the 2026 15th Korea Sharing Grand Awards.

The Korea Sharing Grand Awards is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, KBS and the Community Chest of Korea to honor individuals and groups who practice a culture of giving.

Yeongung Sidae has sustained donations and volunteer activities since 2020, accumulating a total of 4.7 billion won. The club has organized giving campaigns on special occasions such as Im's birthday and debut anniversary, and has carried out social contribution activities for those in need.

Regional fan clubs across the country and fans living abroad have also continued donating to vulnerable groups, including children and teenagers, people with disabilities and low-income households.

The award recognized the club's sustained social contribution activities beyond simple fan support. Yeongung Sidae plans to present the award plaque to Im's agency so the honor can be shared with the singer.

Kim Jae-rok, chairman of the Community Chest of Korea's Seoul chapter, said he was deeply grateful to Yeongung Sidae for "delivering warm hope to our society through more than six years of giving." He added that the club "is setting a fine example of a mature fandom giving culture by channeling support for an artist into sharing with neighbors in need."


terry@heraldcorp.com