We never thought we would say this but the Ice Bucket Challenge is back!
Well, in Korea at least.
The ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) Ice Bucket Challenge went viral in 2014, and encourages people who are nominated to dump ice on themselves to simulate the numbing effects of the disease. Those who do not want to take up the challenge can opt to donate to a charity.
Since 29th May, a bunch of Korean celebrities have posted videos of them doing the challenge, and have nominated their peers as well. Celebrities that took part include SNSD, Epik High, APINK, NU’EST, and a myriad of other stars.
So, why the sudden re-emergence of this challenge?
It all started with SNSD’s Sooyoung, who was nominated by Jinusean’s Sean to be the first runner of the 2018 Ice Bucket Challenge. Sean revived the challenge in order to raise fund for Korea’s first dedicated hospital for ALS patients.
The construction of the hospital is being funded by Seungil Hope Foundation, whose co-representative is Sean. Members of SNSD (Seohyun, Sooyoung, Yuri, and Yoona) are regular supporters of the foundation and has frequently donated to the cause.
Sooyoung’s video was uploaded on 29th May, with her stating, “Thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge movement that started in 2014, many people paid attention and donated, so the land to establish the nursing home for Lou Gehrig’s disease was able to be acquired. We need all of your help in many ways to start the construction of the new building. I hope you will help out with your continued interest. Starting with me, I hope it will serve as an opportunity for more people to be interested.”
She then picked Taeyang’s brother Dong Hyunbae, comedian Kwon Hyuksoo, and fellow member Seohyun to continue on the challenge.
Seohyun picked up the challenge, and proceeded to name actor Kim Junghyun, Hwang Seung-Eon, and member Hyoyeon as nominees.
Apart from Sooyoung, the other front runner of the challenge include actor Park Bogum.
In his video, he explained, “Thank you to Sean for allowing me to take part in this meaningful challenge, the Ice Bucket Challenge dedicated to the first hospital in Korea for patients suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The construction of the hospital requires the interest and help of those watching this video. I hope that our warm hearts can come together and become a source of strength for the patients and their families. I will also cheer on the hospital in the hope that its construction will be successfully completed.”
He then nominated his “Moonlight Drawn by Clouds” co-stars Kwak Dongyeon and Lee Joonhyuk, as well as close friend Yeo Jingoo.

Yeo Jingoo picked up the challenge, and nominated actors Jung Woosung, Jo Jinwoong, and Girls’ Day’s Minah to participate.
From there, it started to pick up, with Korean celebrities nominating each other to do the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Videos of notable celebrities that have done the challenge are as follows:
- Yeo Jingoo
- Girl’s Day’s Minah
- Park Narae
- Lee Sieon
- Jun Hyunmoo & Han Hyejin
- WINNER’s Kang Seungyoon
- APINK’s Eunji
- IU
- ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo
#아이스버킷챌린지 #루게릭요양병원건립 #윤시윤 #이태환 #엔 #함께해요 pic.twitter.com/zSJOLp9YIL
— 아스트로 (@offclASTRO) June 4, 2018
- After School/Orange Caramel’s Nana
- DIA’s Chaeyeon
- Chungha (former I.O.I)
- Akdong Musician’s Suhyun
- WINNER’s Jinwoo
- VIXX’s N
- SEVENTEEN’s DK
- TEENTOP’s Niel
- TWICE’s Sana, Momo, & Nayeon
- Girl’s Day’s Sojin
- gugudan’s Mina
- Jung Woosung
- Weki Meki’s Yoojung
안녕하세요. 위키미키 최유정 입니다. 대한민국 최초 루게릭 전문 요양 병원이 설립 된다고 합니다. 많은분들의 따뜻한 응원과 관심을 부탁드리며, 저 최유정도 아이스버킷챌린지와 기부로 함께 응원 하겠습니다. 함께 좋은 뜻에 동참해 주세요!#아이스버킷챌린지 #조권 #유세윤 #심형탁 #최유정 pic.twitter.com/vXIWbhmdaO
— 위키미키 (@WekiMeki) June 7, 2018
- 2AM’s Jo Kwon
- 2PM’s Chansung
안녕하세요 2PM의 찬성입니다. 저는 틴탑 니엘씨의 지목을 받아서 아이스 버팃 챌린지에 참여하게 됐습니다. 이 아이스 버킷 챌린지는 루게릭 환우 분들의 요양병원 건립을 위한 아이스 버킷 챌린지 캠페인입니다.이렇게 좋은 캠페인이에 참여하게 되서 너무 기쁩니다. pic.twitter.com/PJHQuqanjb
— 황찬성 (@2PMagreement211) June 6, 2018
- SEVENTEEN’s The8
- Yoo Seonho
- Epik High
- NU’EST W’s Ren
- Jung Joonyoung
- iKON’s B.I
- INFINITE’s L
Sources: soompi (1) (2), Seungil Hope Foundation.
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