Korean in U.S. donates W600 million

A Korean businessman active in the United States has donated 600 million won to the Participatory Solidarity organization, which is in the process of launching active civic activities.

The 600 million won is the biggest donation ever by an individual to a non-governmental organization in Korea.

The 29-year-old businessman, who declined to be identified, said that he had earned wealth in his Internet-related business in the United States.

His relationship with the organization began when he sent an e-mail message to the group`s Web site in January. In the message he expressed his interest in the activities of lawyers Ha Seung-Su and Lee Sang-Hun, who were working for the group voluntarily, and he joined the group after sending 50 million won as a fund for the establishment of a Legal Center for Public Interest.

"While watching the activities of the Participatory Solidarity, I gained confidence that it is making efforts to change our society to a healthy place where common sense works," he reportedly said after returning home July 13 from a visit to the organization¡¯s office.

He then sent and additional 550 million won to the bank account of the group`s supporters.

¡°I am still young, and I have not the slightest idea about living an easy life,¡± he said. ¡°I hope this donation of mine will become seed money to form a big fund, so that it can be used to make our society brighter.¡±