JINDO — Affection for trot singer Song Ga-in has turned into a gesture of goodwill for Jindo, the county in southwestern South Korea where she was born.
Members of Song's official fan cafe AGAIN donated a combined 22 million won ($15,800) to Jindo County to mark the Myeongnyang Battle Festival, the county said on the 14th. On the 12th, the festival's second day, the members handed over 17 million won in hometown love donations and 5 million won in scholarship funds for nurturing local talent ahead of the "Myeongnyang Trot Night" concert held at the Nokjin Victory Stage.
The donation went beyond typical fan club activity. It carried added meaning in that support for Song expanded into support for the place she comes from.
AGAIN is the official fan cafe for Song, a native of Jindo.
Members traveled to Jindo for the festival and joined in the excitement of the performance. At the same time, they took part in the hometown love donation program, adding to the significance of the event.
The donation was organized voluntarily by the members. Their affection for the singer translated into support for regional development and the cultivation of future talent in Jindo County.
"I sincerely thank the members of Song Ga-in's official fan cafe AGAIN for visiting Jindo for the Myeongnyang Battle Festival and for practicing such warm sharing," Jindo County Mayor Lee Jae-gak said. "We will use these precious donations transparently and responsibly as resources for the happiness of our residents, regional development and nurturing the dreams of future generations."
Meanwhile, Jindo County is running a promotional event ahead of the Chuseok holiday titled "Donate to Your Hometown, Send Your Parents a Table of Abalone," aimed at boosting participation in the hometown love donation program and promoting local agricultural and marine specialties.
