[Opinion] Anonymous Charity

A gray-haired woman around the age of 60 went to Korea University Medical Center a month and a half ago to give it a real-estate certificate worth a market price of 40 billion won in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. She said, “I started to acquaint myself with the center and received medical treatment there several times. I wanted to help their research and treatment efforts.” The string attached was the non-disclosure of her name. She said, “I am worried about possibly losing my family and friends by doing something good.”

Her “worries about losing family and friends” are understandable. Among philanthropists who spend their fortunes on education or societal issues, many go through severe conflicts with their children or relatives. Heirs apparent may think, “The fortunes would come to us anyway upon his or her death.” Their relatives could be disappointed too, thinking, “No pennies for us, and such a huge amount to total strangers?”

Whether in anonymity or not, such a huge contribution is not an easy choice. The amount of university contributions given by her as an individual these days is at their highest-ever level, however. The woman in her 60s, whose surname alone is known, is said to have inherited a fortune worth tens of billions of won from her mother, who turned her career from education to transportation. Spending money wisely might be harder than earning or keeping it well.

It is said that Lee learnt from her mother that, “Things that others say are nothing, and anything that is so good withers once you get used to it. You were born into a rich family, enjoying everything you could, so don’t be obsessed with money and help others.” Of course, her mother was not an ordinary person, but her daughter’s charity after properly managing the inheritance is something to be admired. Andrew Carnegie, the famous Steel King of the U.S., left behind a beautiful quote: “To die rich is an embarrassment,” and was involved in social contributions with his fortune that he accumulated despite criticism for being a “nasty person.”

Heo Mun-myeong, Editorial Writer, angelhuh@donga.com