'Kim Junsu school' set up in Cambodia

With the help of K-pop boy band JYJ member Kim Junsu, a school has been built in a small village in Cambodia, a relief body said Friday. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Korea said that it recently held the ceremony for the completion and opening of an elementary school that was established in a village of Vealvong in Pusat Province, Cambodia, using the hallyu star's donation.

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After five months of construction, the school building is made up of six classrooms, separate rooms for special programs, restrooms and clean water supply facilities.

The project was made possible through the efforts of Kim's mother, Yun Young-mi, the group said.

"Kim's mother visited the town last month together with other volunteers. When she asked the residents what they needed the most, almost all of them answered a school. She told this to her son, and Kim was touched by the people who wanted to build a school for their children's future despite their difficult living conditions. He donated the funds to cover the complete costs for the construction", an ADRA Korea official said.

About 200 children started studying there for free, and an additional 100 are expected to enter soon.

In the opening ceremony, about 500 residents celebrated, waving the national flags of Korea and Cambodia. Yun participated in the ceremony and received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of her son.

"I want to name the school 'Kim Junsu Evergreen School' out of hope that children can keep their dreams as fresh and green as the trees and make their dreams come true", Yun was quoted as saying by the relief group.

A gate was also built at the entrance of the town with the banner reading, "Village supported by Kim Junsu".

Kim, who couldn't participate due to rehearsals for the upcoming musical, "Elizabeth", said in a written message that he wants to visit there one day when he gets the chance, so he can sing songs and play football with the children.

The singer has donated to the relief group since 2008. Together with other JYJ members, Kim also contributed to relief works for victims of the earthquake in Japan and the flooding in Thailand.

By Kim Rahn