Seoul: South Korea's leading business groups have intensified their support for relief and recovery operations for residents affected by recent wildfires in the southeastern regions of the country.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Samsung Group, the largest business conglomerate in South Korea by assets, has committed a 3 billion-won (approximately US$2 million) donation. This contribution, pooled from its eight affiliates including Samsung Electronics Co., Samsung Display Co., and Samsung Life Insurance Co., is earmarked for the Korean Red Cross to aid recovery efforts in severely impacted areas such as Sancheong in South Gyeongsang Province, Uiseong in North Gyeongsang Province, and Ulju in Ulsan. In addition to monetary support, Samsung is providing 1,000 rescue packages and 600 tents for displaced residents.
Hyundai Motor Group has pledged 2 billion won (around US$1.26 million) towards recovery initiatives. The group has also deployed six emergency support vehicles, which include laundry and disinfection trucks, to offer sanitary aid. Additionally, two mobile office buses have been dispatched to serve as rest areas for displaced individuals and volunteer workers.
SK Group has also contributed 2 billion won to the recovery efforts, with its affiliates offering substantial services. SK Telecom Co., one of the group's telecommunications affiliates, has installed Wi-Fi and TV facilities at temporary shelters and supplied portable chargers to those affected.
LG Group has made a donation of 2 billion won to support the nationwide recovery efforts. LG Electronics Inc. has provided air purifiers and other home appliances to temporary shelters, while LG H and H Co. has supplied personal care products such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shampoos. LG Uplus Corp. has extended telecommunications services to displaced individuals.
Retail giant Lotte Group has contributed 1 billion won, alongside essential daily necessities and processed food products. Meanwhile, Shinsegae Group has provided 500 million won in donations, along with daily necessities, sanitary goods, and clothing. SPC Group and Oriental Brewery have distributed bottled water to the affected regions.
The wildfires, exacerbated by strong winds, have been rapidly spreading across the southeastern parts of South Korea, resulting in at least 24 fatalities. In a separate incident, a firefighting helicopter crashed on Wednesday in the southeastern county of Uiseong, resulting in the death of the pilot. In response to the ongoing crisis, the government has designated the worst-hit southeastern regions as disaster zones to streamline resources and expedite recovery efforts.