Sean Announces Completion of First ALS Care Facility in Korea
Singer Sean has announced the completion of the 'Seungil Hope Nursing Hospital,' the first of its kind for ALS patients in Korea and potentially the world. In a video posted on his YouTube channel 'With Sean' on January 5, he shared, "This hospital was a dream of my late friend, Park Seung-il, and me. After researching, I found out that there is not a single one like it globally."
Sean, along with former basketball player Park Seung-il, who suffered from ALS, established the Seungil Hope Foundation in 2011. They organized various fundraising activities, including the Ice Bucket Challenge, to support the construction of the nursing hospital, which broke ground in December 2023 with a budget of 23.9 billion KRW.
Tragically, Park Seung-il passed away in September 2024, just before the hospital's completion. In November of the same year, the foundation confirmed the official name of the facility as 'Seungil Hope Nursing Hospital,' emphasizing its mission to honor Park's dream and serve patients with severe muscular diseases.
In the video, Sean was joined by Park's sister, Park Seong-ja, and the foundation's secretary-general, Ko Jae-chun. They provided a detailed tour of the hospital, showcasing specially designed spaces for ALS patients, including low-placed windows for better views from beds and wide entrances for easy access. The hospital also features gardens on the rooftop and outdoor areas to help patients connect with nature.
A 'donation wall' is planned for the hospital lobby, recognizing the contributions of over 350,000 donors who made this project possible. Sean recounted his first meeting with Park, recalling how he was inspired by Park's book, which detailed his dream of establishing the first ALS nursing hospital in Korea. Sean had saved 100 million KRW for a worthy cause and decided to support Park's vision.
The Seungil Hope Nursing Hospital is set to open in March 2025, with Sean expressing his sadness that Park would not see the completion of the hospital he dreamed of for 22 years. Park's sister expressed gratitude, stating that although her brother could not witness the hospital's opening, his legacy would continue to inspire and support many.
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a rare disease characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons, leading to complete paralysis and ultimately respiratory failure. Currently, there is no known cure or clear understanding of its causes.
