Eleven-Year-Old Cares for Sick Mother... ChildFund Korea Raises Funds on SBS's 'Hope TV'

[Financial News] Eleven-year-old Eun-gyeol heads straight home after class. Caring for her mother, who is receiving chemotherapy, and preparing dinner are part of her daily routine. Through SBS's 'Hope TV,' ChildFund Korea is raising funds for children like Eun-gyeol who care for ill family members.
According to ChildFund Korea on the 13th, Eun-gyeol's daily life will be featured on SBS's '2026 Hope TV Founding Anniversary Special,' scheduled to air at 8:30 a.m. on the 14th. 'Hope TV' is a social contribution program that shares the stories of children in Korea and abroad who need help and supports them with donations from viewers. This broadcast focuses on children who take on caregiving responsibilities at a young age because of a family member's illness or disability.
Eun-gyeol's mother was diagnosed with cancer five years ago and has since experienced several recurrences. Eun-gyeol wipes down her mother's feverish body. She buys groceries according to her mother's list and does household chores, while also finding time to study the math she enjoys. “Please protect my mom.” Eun-gyeol's wish is for her mother to regain her health so they can spend a long time together.
Actor Ko Du-shim, ChildFund Korea's sharing ambassador; actor Song Il-kook, its public relations ambassador; and broadcaster Lee Hyunyi, its goodwill ambassador, will make special appearances. The three will show their understanding of the difficulties Eun-gyeol faces and offer words of encouragement to children who care for family members.
The donations raised through the broadcast will first be used to help Eun-gyeol. ChildFund Korea also plans to help other children caring for family members in similar circumstances, according to each child's needs. Viewers can donate during the broadcast by phone or through the ChildFund Korea website.
A ChildFund Korea official said, “Children who care for ill family members, like Eun-gyeol, have to grow up early without having the time to enjoy their childhood,” and added, “We ask for everyone's interest and participation so this broadcast can give Eun-gyeol hope for tomorrow and help improve society's awareness of children who care for family members.”
Under the Act on Support for Children and Youth in Crisis, Including Family Care, which took effect on March 26, children and young people who care for family members, as well as blood relatives within the eighth degree who live with them, may apply for case management through a designated agency. Children and young people selected for support can receive psychological counseling, academic support and other assistance.
[email protected] Jang In-seo Reporter