Why is Gong Hyo-jin's Mother Drawing the Lotto?

Actress Gong Hyo-jin's mother, Kim Ok-ran, will participate in the lottery drawing on the 17th. She is the director of 'Sarangui Bapcha' (Love's Lunch Truck), which has provided warm meals to marginalized neighbors for 20 years.

On the 17th at 8:35 PM, Director Kim was invited as the 272nd 'Golden Hand' on the live broadcast of 'Happy Dream Lotto 6/45.' This program invites individuals who spread positive influence every week as 'Golden Hands' to conduct the lottery drawing.

Director Kim Ok-ran (left) of "Love's Lunch Truck" and actress Gong Hyo-jin. [Photo by Gong Hyo-jin, Instagram]

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Director Kim has been working with the nonprofit volunteer organization 'Sarangui Bapcha' for 20 years. This organization provides meals once a week for the elderly living alone, people with disabilities, and children suffering from food insecurity.

Director Kim and the volunteers shop for ingredients and prepare meals a day in advance to serve hundreds of people every week. It usually takes about four hours to prepare meals for hundreds of people. The volunteer work does not end with completing the food; they also assist those with mobility difficulties during meals and finish by washing dishes and cleaning up.

During the 2008 Taean oil spill disaster, Director Kim prepared three meals a day for 1,500 residents and volunteers for 58 days. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also personally delivered lunch boxes. It is known that her daughter, Gong Hyo-jin, has been participating in volunteer activities for the past 10 years.

When asked about the most memorable moment while volunteering, Director Kim cited "when those who finished their meals handed me a candy or a tangerine as a token of gratitude." She said, "Many people long for human connection and a warm meal and wait for us. When I feel overwhelmed, thinking of those people makes it impossible to stop volunteering."

Ahead of her appearance as a Lotto Golden Hand, Director Kim expressed through MBC, "Sarangui Bapcha is a nonprofit organization that operates solely through voluntary service and donations. I hope that with more people's interest, we can create a beautiful society that shares small happiness together."

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