Actor Im Chae-mu moved people by continuing good deeds for people with developmental disabilities despite debt of 19 billion won and ongoing deficits.
On the 19th, according to the social welfare corporation Down Welfare Center, Dooly Land in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Down Welfare Center and appointed Im Chae-mu as its official goodwill ambassador.
This agreement was arranged to provide cultural experience opportunities to people with developmental disabilities who are easily excluded from leisure·cultural life and to jointly carry out campaigns to improve awareness of disabilities.
Im Chae-mu said, "If Dooly Land was a place that gave children dreams, I hope it becomes a complex cultural space that also brings hope to people with developmental disabilities," and said, "I will lend my support to creating a society where everyone can smile together regardless of disability."
Im Chae-mu's actions resonate even more as they coincide with the recently revealed story of Dooly Land's operation. Earlier on KBS2 Boss in the Mirror, Im Chae-mu candidly recounted how he took on 19 billion won in debt while operating Dooly Land and why he accepted the deficits. He said that in the process of reopening Dooly Land he sold his Yeouido residence and again incurred 19 billion won in debt, and he confessed that at the time he and his wife even endured sleeping in a bathroom, which drew sympathy.
Deficits continue even now. Im Chae-mu admitted, "I thought at least I would break even from operating the free outdoor pool in summer, but it was a complete deficit. Not a small deficit but a complete deficit." His daughter, Ms. Im Go-un, worried about the reality of no profit due to allowing outside food and free reentry, but Im Chae-mu said, "Restricting those things does not suddenly increase sales," and maintained an operating policy that allowed children and families to enjoy themselves comfortably.
He was shown handing out snacks himself to groups of visiting children and checking cleanliness around the amusement park with his bare hands. However, there were times he was hurt by malicious complaints. Im Chae-mu said, "A customer who received a refund stood at the entrance for three hours telling other customers, 'Do not play here,'" and said, "Seeing my wife silently watching that scene made my heart ache."
Even in this situation, Im Chae-mu did not bend his convictions. He also made clear his firm belief, saying, "I will not inherit. If you want to achieve something, you must strive for it yourself and seize it."
Despite 19 billion won in debt, ongoing deficits, and countless hardships, Im Chae-mu, who has protected Dooly Land, is now expanding his positive influence by continuing cultural sharing for people with developmental disabilities.<
[Photo] 'Sadanggwi, OSEN DB'
[OSEN]