Actress Choi Ji-woo Signs Agreement with UP School

Actress Choi Ji-woo has signed an agreement pledging 100 million won to the UP School Program of the Busan government's project aimed at improving the city's educational environment. The signing ceremony was attended by students from Deokmun High School for Girls--Choi's alma mater--along with her former teachers and education officials.

The UP School Program was launched by the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education and the Busan Chamber of Commerce and Industry to improve the educational environment in the city's schools. As of May this year, over 1,500 companies, organizations and individuals had donated 13 billion won toward the cause. The donations have been distributed to schools to improve students' learning environment and help low-income families.

Jangan Elementary School, which was on the verge of closing due to a small number of students, has seen more students since it received the donation. Other schools have also greatly benefited from the campaign. They have expanded their free lunch and school bus services for students. Choi says she hopes the campaign will help students better concentrate on their studies and enjoy their school years. She also called for public interest and help.

The mayor of the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, Seol dong-geun, said Choi Ji-woo has been sparing no efforts to improve education in Busan despite her busy schedule, and that her pledge of a donation was a "beautiful act of repaying the public for their love". He presented the actress with an appreciation plaque.

After the ceremony, Choi visited a special purpose school in Daeyeon-dong, Busan to encourage its students and their parents as well as present them with gifts. The Busan-born actress has acted as PR ambassador for the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education since 2005. She has carried out diverse activities to improve education in Busan and has regularly provided her alma mater with scholarships.