Suresh Ranabhat / Pokhara, October 17
South Korean artist and author Ku Hyun Kim has donated 5,000 kg (200 bags) of high-quality rice to support victims of the devastating Bhote Koshi River flood in Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality, Rasuwa.
The 80-year-old South Korean citizen raised NPR 500,000 in collaboration with 26 members from the Buddhist Academy, Buddhist Review, and Cheongyang Travel School in South Korea before traveling to Nepal. Coordinated by Parichaya Advertising and facilitated by Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality, 200 bags of rice (25 kg each) will be distributed directly to the flood-affected families.
“We still remember Nepal’s generosity in sending rice to our ancestors during the painful times of the Korean War 75 years ago. This support, raised by friends saving their coffee money, is an expression of our gratitude toward Nepal.”– Ku Hyun Kim, South Korean Artist and Author
Kim, who has been visiting Nepal on tourist visas for the past 11 years, considers Nepal his second home. Upon hearing news of the floods, he recalled his journey through Rasuwa to Kailash Mansarovar last year and immediately mobilized to gather relief funds.
Chairperson of Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality, Madhav Aryal, expressed profound gratitude to Kim and his team for traveling from South Korea at the age of 80 to serve flood victims, stating that receiving this aid brings immense relief to families facing severe shortages. Kim expressed his sincere thanks to Chairperson Aryal for enabling him to reach out to citizens in their time of need.
Managing Director of Parichaya Advertising, Sovit Bashyal, stated, “It is our social responsibility to honor the spirit of such compassionate individuals and coordinate the delivery of relief materials to the targeted families.”
Having heard stories since childhood about Nepal sending rice out of goodwill during the 1950–1953 Korean War, Kim’s relief effort stands as a living testament to a 75-year-old emotional bond and enduring gratitude.