Als Nursing Hospital Opens: 14-year ALS drive builds specialised facility; 350,000 donors fund care

South Korean actor and singer Cha Eunwoo's contribution to an ALS awareness campaign in 2023 was among the many efforts supporting patients living with the progressive neurological disease. Two years later, the fundraising mission reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Seungil Hope Nursing Hospital in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province.

Reports by Star Today, The Korea JoongAng Daily, The Korea Times and South Korea's Yonhap News Agency document the journey from celebrity contributions and public donations to the completion of the specialised facility. In July 2023, Cha participated in the 2023 Ice Bucket Challenge after being nominated by actor Lee Jung-jae.

Rather than taking part by pouring ice water over himself, the ASTRO member chose to contribute financially, donating 10 million won to support people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. According to Star Today, Cha also encouraged greater public attention towards people affected by rare and incurable illnesses and their families.