Talent sharing redefines philanthropy

You need not be a millionaire to help others in need. A number of gifted experts and celebrities are proving this through their skills-donation activities.

Designer Lie Sang-bong has given not only his clothes but also his time and expertise to the less privileged and social causes for the past four years.

The fashion guru sketched on a folding fan to raise awareness of saving energy, made costumes for a low-budget film, and designed a uniform for the national table-tennis players.

“I hope sharing talent and knowledge becomes part of people’s lives,” Lie said. “Companies are actively taking part in such activities, but it makes it more meaningful, and beautiful, when people voluntarily do it.”

Among distinguished young artists that embrace the ethos is violist Richard Yongjae O’Neil.

He directed an orchestra of children from multicultural families, most of whom had unhappy memories of being bullied at school for their skin color.

The three-month project co-hosted by local broadcaster MBC featured heartwarming stories of how each child changed and regained confidence over time through music.

Another prominent example is Yi Je-seok, an internationally renowned art director whose most famous works include “What Goes Around Comes Around”― a series of anti-war posters that swept a dozen major advertisement awards.

By establishing Jeski Social Campaign after his English name, Yi became a pro bono social campaigner who moves minds with a single picture, video or a phrase.

“Admen might have some of the world’s most creative brains. What could be the most rewarding thing they could do with their brains?” the firm says on its website. “We dare to define good ads and the ones that work for something good for our society.”

Financial Supervisory Service Governor Choi Soo-hyun recently joined the talent donation move using his English language skills.

The top financial regulator moonlights as a pro bono translator at an interpretation service organization.

He only has three years of living experience in the U.S. starting in 1998, when he was dispatched to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

But he kept brushing up on his language skills and realized they could be put to a better use than moving himself forward, a shared outlook among those who share their talents.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)