Humanitarian celebrities

South Korean actor Cha In-pyo, a vocal opponent of China`s repatriation of North Korean defectors back to the North, is facing criticism for collecting conservative votes in the run-up to the April 11 general elections. His action, however, is based on humanism and has nothing to do with political ideology. When he was pressured to visit India by a relief organization in 2006, he said, he was pretty arrogant by sitting in a first-class seat. The moment he held a hand extended by a seven-year-old child for a handshake, Cha added, his life and value completely changed. He said he decided to help his poor neighbors around the world. Since then, his travel destinations have changed from the U.S. and Australia to Ethiopia, Bangladesh and Uganda. His consistency in performing charity makes him a genuine humanitarian celebrity.

In 2006, actor George Clooney went to Sudan to make a documentary film. He has since rolled up his sleeves to let the world know about the Darfur genocide. The actor also sent letters to promote independence of South Sudan to heads of state and raised funds with fellow actors like Brad Pitt. Clooney testified on the civilian massacre by the Sudanese government by finding mass graves via satellite. His work ultimately helped the foundation of the Republic of South Sudan last year.

Actor Mike Daisey, who got famous for a solo show at the Apple factory in China, told a radio show in January that he witnessed chemical-contaminated Chinese laborers with his own eyes. Despite his attempt to be a humanitarian, his announcement turned out to be fabricated. He defended his action, however, by saying,“ I’m not a journalist but an actor. I make stories with truth and fiction. I speak a work of truth.” Due to a backlash from those who petitioned against Apple after the news, he finally apologized on his blog Sunday, nine days after the event.

Certain South Korean celebrities have made their voices heard on social issues such as American beef imports, a strike at Hanjin Heavy Industries, the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, and the construction of a naval base on Jeju Island. Celebrities have the right to express their opinions on social issues but should be truthful. Comment is free but facts are sacred. Who was the South Korean celebrity thinking by asking who would rather take potassium cyanide instead of American beef from cows with mad cow disease? Daisey said in his apology, “In my drive to tell this story and have it be heard, I lost my grounding. Things came out of my mouth that just weren`t true.”

Editorial Writer Lee Hyeong-sam (hans@donga.com)