'Shikgaek' Huh Young-man series ends, culminating a 7-year run with warm giving

The 7-year journey of 'Shikgaek' is completed, ending with a period on sharing

A master of South Korea's cartoon industry, Huh Young-man, delivered a heavy message as he wrapped up the long run of TV Chosun's 'Shikgaek Huh Young-man's Baekbangehaeng', which for seven years has traveled the length and breadth of the country to shine a light on the meals of ordinary people. Beyond a simple departure from the broadcast, his move to transform the public love he had received into social restitution brings the value of true 'noblesse oblige' back into focus in a harsh modern society. The Love Tree Community Chest of Korea officially announced on the 9th that Huh had donated his 'Neighbor Love donation fund' for underprivileged neighbors.

At the donation handover ceremony held at the TV Chosun headquarters in Jung District, Seoul, that day, Huh was represented by his eldest son, Heo Seok-gyun, the CEO who leads 'Heo Young-man Co., Ltd.'. The CEO said, "Father looked back and said that over the past seven-plus years, through 'Baekbangehaeng', he received more love than he deserved from people across the country." He added, "Recalling the faces of warm neighbors he met at the scene, he wanted to share that warmth with places where help is urgently needed," conveying the sincerity of the donation. At the same time, according to Huh's special request, the full amount of this donation is set to be invested in a support program aimed at helping 'vulnerable groups' safely get through the summer, exposed with no protection to the extreme heat.

Since he first set foot in the art world in 1974, Huh's prior actions—creating timeless works in the history of Korean popular culture, such as 'Shikgaek', 'Tazza', and 'Gakseital'—do not stop at one-time efforts. He has quietly provided winter-gear supplies and everyday necessities for 'homeless people' during the harsh winter period since 2004. He is also a figure who has carried out a long-term 'philosophy of sharing', even redirecting the various prize money and royalties tied to 'Shikgaek' back into society's darker corners.

Meanwhile, after debuting in broadcasting in 2019, 'Baekbangehaeng' won viewers' unwavering support by uncovering the genuine taste hidden in neighborhoods and regions, with plain 'local dining tables' instead of flashy phrases. It wrapped up its run with the completion of Episode 353 aired last month on the 21st. It was a bittersweet decision made in his 'health issues', handed down just after seven years. Still, the warm perspective toward ordinary people he left through the broadcast and the altruistic actions proven by this donation will be remembered forever as a 'masterpiece' in the hearts of the public.