According to reports, a Taiwanese couple came to Korea to tour Seoul. The wife, who was pregnant, slipped at her hotel and gave birth to her child 2 months early. The baby weighed a mere 1 kg (2.2 lbs) and suffered from congenital biliary atresia and liver problems. The infant went through surgery at both the Sooncheonhyang Medical Center as well as the Seoul National University Hospital and was able to be saved.
SEE ALSO: Defector Lee Soon Sil fears electrotherapy due to trauma from past torture in North Korea
However, because of the incredible hospital fees, the parents couldn't leave the hospital. When Taiwanese people living in Korea heard the news, they prepared to collect money for the couple. Lee Young Ae heard about the couple and paid the hospital fee herself and even met the baby and the couple on June 29. She also directed the child and the mother to the International St. Mary's Hospital, where she often makes donations.
Her label revealed, "At first, Lee Young Ae wanted to help without telling anyone. But the mother really wanted to meet the person who helped, so she had to show who she was. The baby mother saw Lee Young Ae and cried endlessly."
A Taiwanese newspaper reported, "The baby's mother thanked Lee Young Ae over and over again. Lee Young Ae replied that she hoped the baby, now grown to 3.27 kg (7.2 lbs), would grow healthily and be loved."
The couple and their newborn were able to leave back to Taiwan on June 30.
Log in to comment