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Rain donates 100K to ALS research

August 25, 2014
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K-pop star Rain in his ice bucket challenge video.

K-pop superstar Jung Ji-hoon, better known as Rain, has donated 100 million won ($ 98,200) to help develop a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Rain said over the weekend that he made the donation because of his relationship with Cube Entertainment CEO Hong Seung-Seong, who has ALS. Hong helped Rain break into the industry.

“Hong has been a teacher and father figure to me. But he has been struggling with ALS for three years. I did not know how I could ever express my gratitude to him,” the singer said.

“One of the university hospitals in Korea is now developing new drugs for the disease. I want to donate for a good cause. I hope we all make our efforts to help those in need,” he added.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord.

In recent weeks, people from around the world have raised money to find a cure through the virally popular “ice-bucket challenge.”