Instead of gifting their idols with luxurious gifts, fans have started to use their power and influence for the good of society. For years fans have donated money in their idols' name and a variation of this movement has been gaining prominence in Korean fan culture: donating rice. Donating rice not only helps the receiver, but simultaneously benefits and increases sales for rice farmers.
In October 2010, JYJ's fans donated 8.38 tons of rice to congratulate the trio for their Seoul showcase. Two months later in December, 2PM Taecyeon's fans donated 250kg of rice for the star's birthday and the opening for the drama "Dream High". That same month, Super Junior's fanclub E.L.F bought 620kg of rice for Siwon to celebrate his birthday and the red carpet event for "Athena: Goddess of War". Sungmin's fans donated even more by giving him 1.5 tons of rice at the press conference for his drama, "President". Fans of other artists such as Lee Seungchul, g.o.d's Son Hoyoung, Shinhwa's Kim Dongwan and actor An Jaewook have also donated many tons of rice to charity.
On January 13th, charity organizations "Measures Against Starvation" and "Rice Dreamy" announced a 3-month long charity event seeking donations of rice from the public. Even though it's only been a mere two days since the campaign launched, the fanclubs of 41 top stars have already donated an amazing amount of 11 tons of rice. Of the 11 tons, TVXQ's Changmin's fans donated almost 50% of the total with 5 tons of rice. Other fanclubs that have donated large amounts are those of Bae Yongjoon, Lee Junki, Song Changyi, No Minwoo and 2PM, JYJ's Park Yoochun, SS501's Kim Hyunjoong, Danny Ahn, Bae Subin, Krigbi, BEAST, Shinhwa's Kim Dongwan, and Seo Ingook. In total, the fanclubs of 41 stars have donated thus far.
Concerts, musicals and soundtrack releases will happen for this campaign. Many corporations will also be lending a hand. The rice donations will be given to low-income families, children as well as elders living alone.
Rice Dreamy's representative said "being able to have charities and entertainers come together for a common cause and donating rice to help the unfortunate makes me very happy" and "we will give our all to reach our goal of at least 30 tons."
With the explosive results from the first two days, there is no doubt that the organizations will reach their goal.
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