Webtoon artist and broadcaster Kian84's good deed is drawing attention once again. Amid this, the sale of works that began with good intentions has spread into a "resale controversy," adding to the regret.
Recently, a video titled "Kian84 donated 100 million won with elders who collect recyclables" was released on the YouTube channel CelebIn. On that day, Kian84 appeared as the first guest on the "donation planner" content and participated in the good deed of giving 1 million won each to 100 elders who collect recyclables.
He, who previously also gave 1 million won each to youth at orphanages, encouraged participation in donations, saying, "It is more rewarding and enjoyable because I know who it helps," and "Those who are thinking about it might want to contact the department in charge of vulnerable groups at each district office."
Regarding why he especially decided to help elders who collect recyclables, he honestly said, "Maybe because I was raised by my grandmother, I feel for the elders when I see them." Meeting the elders in person and delivering the sponsorship money, Kian84 expressed gratitude and pride, saying, "I am thankful that I can do such meaningful work every year."
Above all, he emphasized, "Donating is not something to force. But if there are people who want to try it once, I hope they do," and added, "You don't get anything left over, but you gain pride and a sense of fulfillment." When asked, "Why do you keep donating?" he calmly replied, "Because it makes me happy. It's good. It makes me proud," delivering an emotional impact.
But amid this came disappointing news. Recently, on a secondhand marketplace platform, the original painting of Kian84's exhibition piece "Starry Cheongdam" appeared for sale at 150 million won. This is reported to be a much higher amount than the price at which the work was sold at a solo exhibition.
Earlier, in 2022 Kian84 held his first solo exhibition "Full Ownership" and promised, "I will donate all proceeds from picture sales before taxes," and in fact he delivered exhibition proceeds of 87 million won to a child welfare association, moving many. At the time he also directly said, "It will be used for art education expenses for youths in orphanages nationwide."
"Starry Cheongdam" was not just a simple painting. Kian84 explained that it was a work that blended his desires and reality, saying, "These days, apartments along the Han River feel like treasures to people." When such a work became entangled in speculative resale controversy, many fans could not hide their bitterness.
Netizens reacted critically, saying, "With 100 million won, how many more people could Kian84 help," "It's too much to resell a work bought for a good cause with a premium," "Kian84 must be really upset," and "This behavior even devalues the meaning of donation."
In fact, Kian84 has consistently continued his good deeds and has personally shown the "value of sharing." For that reason, the situation in which his work is consumed like someone's speculative tool feels even more regrettable. There is growing interest in whether works that began with good intentions and the culture of donation can continue in their original meaning.
[Photo] OSEN DB, YouTube
[OSEN]