Hong Ji-yun donates full 'King of Singers 3' prize money to fulfill promise to fans

Singer Hong Ji-yun has fulfilled her promise to donate the entirety of her 'King of Singers 3' prize money to neighbors in need. She turned her long-held determination—expressed since her early competition days to "return the prize money to society if I win"—into a reality, continuing her streak of heartwarming philanthropy.

ChildFund Korea, a child welfare organization, announced on the 5th, "Hong Ji-yun has donated the full amount of her 'King of Singers 3' prize money to support children from grandparent-headed households and other vulnerable groups."

The donation carries even greater significance as it is not merely a one-time act of kindness, but the fulfillment of a promise she made to herself long ago.

Since appearing on various competition programs in the past, Hong has consistently expressed her intention, stating, "If I win, I want to donate the entire prize money to neighbors in need."

Having recently reached the top of MBN's 'King of Singers 3', she has finally honored the commitment she made to both herself and her fans.

Immediately following her victory on March 11, Hong shared her sincere feelings via SNS.

"In the past, I promised during other competitions that I would donate the prize money if I won," she said, adding, "I am truly happy to be able to keep that promise this time."

She continued, "I want to use the prize money I received to help grandmothers and grandfathers living alone. I will continue to work harder to become a singer who is remembered for a long time through good music."

Following Hong's wishes, ChildFund Korea plans to use the donation for a summer support project benefiting 800 vulnerable households, including grandparent-headed families and elderly citizens living alone.

The organization intends to provide essential items for health management during heatwaves, such as side dishes, Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) meal kits, and daily necessities, to help seniors and children stay healthy throughout the summer.

"I thought a lot about how I could meaningfully give back the love I have always received from my fans," Hong said. "Just as my songs provide small comforts to some, I hope this act of sharing also becomes a small source of strength for grandparent-headed families and the elderly."

ChildFund Korea also stated, "We are grateful to Hong Ji-yun for putting her promise to her fans into practice through positive influence. We will do our best to ensure this precious donation provides practical support to neighbors in urgent need."

Hong, who majored in traditional Korean music, first gained widespread public attention after finishing as the runner-up on TV CHOSUN's 'Tomorrow is Miss Trot 2'.

Since then, she has appeared on various music variety shows such as 'Let's Be My Daughter', 'Tuesday Blue and White Match', and 'Tuesday Nights are Good'. In 2022, she also ventured into musical theater, playing the role of Song-hwa in the musical 'Seopyeonje'.

With her recent victory in 'King of Singers 3', Hong has established herself as a leading next-generation trot singer, combining her musical talent with a legacy of positive social influence.