IU, Lee Seo Jin, and Gray have been awarded for their contributions to society!

On May 3, the National Tax Service recognized 1072 people as exemplary taxpayers on the 54th Taxpayer Day. These people were selected based on the amount of tax they paid as well as their social contributions. Out of these taxpayers, 32 people with the largest contributions received special awards, including the presidential commendation. However, the ceremony was canceled due to concerns over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), so the awards will separately be delivered to the recipients.

IU and Lee Seo Jin were two celebrities who received the presidential commendation out of a total of 17 people. IU recently donated 100 million won (approximately $83,000) each to Good Neighbors and to the Korea Medical Association. She also donated anti-contamination clothing and masks to the Korea Medical Association to support the medical staff fighting COVID-19.

The National Tax Service stated, “Since debuting as a singer in 2008 up until now, IU has dutifully paid large sums for national tax and won many awards such as the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards and the Korean National Assembly Awards – Popular Music Awards, largely contributing to vitalizing pop culture and developing hallyu.”

Lee Seo Jin has also dutifully paid his taxes and contributed to society, having recently donated 100 million won to Community Chest of Korea on February 27. The National Tax Service said, “After debuting in 1999, Lee Seo Jin has received love and trust for his participation in various projects such as dramas, films, and variety programs, vitalizing pop culture,” adding that the actor had also continuously volunteered as the ambassador for Korea’s Habitat for Humanity in order to help the homeless.

Gray also uploaded a photo of his exemplary taxpayer award on Instagram with the caption, “I’ve received the exemplary taxpayer award. I’ll continue to take initiative and set an example to become suitable to the word exemplary.”

The National Tax Service stated, “Actively working in with the main of producing and performing at concerts, [Gray] has helped develop pop culture with continuous concert activities, and he has dutifully paid taxes, contributing to the nation’s finance.” Earlier, Gray had donated 50 million won (approximately $42,000) to Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association.

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