The Korea Herald’s new “Sharing” page has been praised by the minister for health and welfare, who noted that: “Benevolence does wonders to both givers and takers.”

Minister of Health and Welfare Chin Soo-hee said she hoped the page would nurture Korea’s giving culture, commenting that she believed Koreans already had “sharing in their DNA.”

The new page ― to be published every Thursday ― will cover the good work being done by individuals, organizations and businesses in Korea ― as well as highlighting important social issues that need to be addressed. 

“I would like to offer my appreciation to The Korea Herald and its readers for taking interest in sharing.

“Since President Lee Myung-bak set an example of philanthropy by pledging to donate all of his property to charity in 2009, our society has seen a growing awareness of giving.

“Recently, I was deeply moved by lots of Koreans’ donation of more than 50 billion won to relief efforts for quake-hit Japan despite thorny issues between the two countries including the Japanese colonial rule of Korea and Tokyo’s false claim over the Korean islands of Dokdo.

“I have realized that Koreans have sharing in their DNA.”

The Ministry of Health and Welfare recently established a separate department dedicated to sharing activities in a bid to foster the culture of sharing throughout Korean society.

Chin added: “Sharing does not only help those in need but it also benefits the givers. We get a lasting sense of gratitude, warmth and happiness from altruistic acts.

“I would like to advise the readers of The Korea Herald to join sharing activities and make our communities warm and lovely.”

Community Chest of Korea chairman Lee Dong-kurn also praised the “Sharing” page concept, saying that raising awareness of small acts of kindness could go a long way.

He said: “The media’s role is to bring these people together and spread the philanthropic philosophy ‘change begins here and now.’”

Lee said newspaper coverage had recently helped attract 10 CEOs’ support for the CCK’s “Honor Society” campaign.

The chair of the CCK, which is the only government-sanctioned charity in Korea, also praised the work of people from low economic backgrounds, who often shared with others despite facing difficulties of their own.

“No matter how dire their situation is, they believe that there are still good deeds in this world and it is a matter taking action rather than waiting for others to start or thinking about more effective ways to help.”

He added: “The most important thing in philanthropy is volunteerism. Despite the fact that people have great interest in helping needy neighbors, there needs to be a stimulant, reinforcement if you may, in order to guide them into action.”

The Korea Herald’s “Sharing” page is to cover good deeds whether they come in the form of charitable donations or volunteering and campaigning for a better Korean society.

It aims to delve into a range of social issues facing people living in Korea today, from welfare and human rights issues to environmental and animal causes.

The page shall act as a valuable forum to raise awareness about charity and volunteering efforts across Korea. Readers, charities and organizations with charity divisions are invited to submit news about their events or update on their latest work by emailing sharing@heraldcorp.com. They can also inform the public about and request donations for special campaigns via the new “Sharing” page.