A Gracious Gesture: Lee Young-ae's Meaningful Contribution to Commemorate a Founding Figure in South Korean History

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In a heartfelt act of philanthropy, celebrated actress Lee Young-ae has donated a generous sum of 50 million won ($37,600) towards the creation of a memorial dedicated to former President Syngman Rhee. The gracious contribution was made to the Memorial Association for Founding President Syngman Rhee, accompanied by a personal letter from Lee herself, according to an official press release.

Established in July of the previous year, the Memorial Association for Founding President Syngman Rhee has a noble mission: to establish a lasting tribute to the historical significance of Syngman Rhee's presidency. Syngman Rhee, who served as South Korea's inaugural president from 1948 to 1960, played an instrumental role in shaping the foundations of the modern Korean nation.

In her letter, Lee Young-ae expressed her admiration for Syngman Rhee, acknowledging that, like all leaders, he had his imperfections. However, she emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the positive contributions made by past leaders to the nation's growth. Lee conveyed, "Rhee had his faults, but he was the founding president who laid a lot of the stones that make up Korea today." She further advocated for highlighting the achievements of former presidents rather than solely focusing on their shortcomings as a means to build a stronger and more united country.

Lee Young-ae's philanthropic endeavors extend beyond this recent donation. She has consistently supported organizations dedicated to preserving the legacies of other former South Korean Presidents, including Park Chung Hee, Kim Young-sam, Kim Dae-jung, and Roh Moo-hyun. The actress expressed her intention to continue contributing to the Syngman Rhee memorial project, reflecting her commitment to honoring South Korea's historical leaders.

Lee Young-ae, a veteran actress at 51 years of age, made her debut in a chocolate advertisement in 1990. Her illustrious acting career commenced with the KBS drama series "How's Your Husband?" in 1993, and she has since graced the silver screen and television screens with her talent. Some of her notable works include films such as "Last Present" (2001), "Lady Vengeance" (2005), and "Bring Me Home" (2019), as well as popular dramas like "Dae Jang Geum" (2003–2004) and "Saimdang, Memoir of Colors" (2017). Lee Young-ae's influence in the world of South Korean entertainment is undeniable, and her generosity in supporting meaningful causes continues to inspire many.

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