She said in the press conference, “One of the most beautiful things in the world is children’s smile. I am honored to be invited to this meaningful event and hope to be of help to the children in need however small my contribution may be,” and urged the world to pay attention to the children born with facial deformities.(image:KOTRA)
SEOUL, Nov.20 (Korea Bizwire) – Ha Ji-won, Korea’s actress, appeared in a charity event held by Operation Smile, an international medical assistance organization specializing in cleft lip and palate repair surgeries, in Vietnam to celebrate its presence in the Southeast Asian country for 25 years.
In a press conference and opening gala show held at Lotte Hanoi Hotel on November 15, Ms. Ha showed up and reporters from 80 media outlets in and outside Vietnam such as VTV, Ho Chi Minh City TV, Ha NoiMoi, Chinese People’s Daily, and AP were busy taking pictures of her. The event was held jointly with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
She said in the press conference, “One of the most beautiful things in the world is children’s smile. I am honored to be invited to this meaningful event and hope to be of help to the children in need however small my contribution may be,” and urged the world to pay attention to the children born with facial deformities.
In the event, there was a mini-event to deliver 3,000 drug items donated by Korean pharmaceutical firms and the state-run trade promotion agency. Ms. Ha gave donated goods in person to Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Kathy Magee, the founders of Operation Smile.Kathy Magee, the organization’s president and leading plastic surgeon, said, “We are thankful for KOTRA and other Korean companies for providing assistance and I hope the partnership could continue in the future.”
In the follow-up “Smile Gala” event, a fundraising campaign and aVIP charity auction were held. In the event, several leading figures from the government and the business circle including the Vietnamese Minister of Health & Welfare were present. Major international companies such as Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, and Deloitte sent their representatives to the event. Ms. Ha delivered an official speech on behalf of the VIP participants and donated her personal effects in the charity auction.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
