Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu continues his efforts to aid the recovery in his native country South Korea after a deadly ferry boat accident that has left more than 85 dead and more than 200 missing.
“Being away from home, if I can help in any way, I’ll do whatever it takes to help the cause,” Ryu, 27, said through his interpreter.
The left-hander donated $100,000 last week through his HJ 99 Foundation, and Sunday he made an appearance at the Dodgers Viva Los Dodgers event at Dodgers Stadium, with money raised going to benefit survivors and the families of victims who died in the disaster.
Ryu says that’s where he wants the money to go, and his team in South Korea is currently scouting various charities to disperse the funds.
Though, he wouldn’t comment on his personal conversations with family or friends back home, Ryu says he’s continued to stay on top of developments through various media reports.
The ferry Sweol capsized off the southern coast of South Korea on April 16. It took off from the port in Ryu’s hometown Incheon, and was headed to the island of Jeju.
In a start the next day, Ryu pitched seven innings of shutout ball and got the win as the Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants, 2-1.
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"I thought if I could win today and pitch well, maybe I might give them a little brighter side to think about, so that's why I went out there and tried to do the best I could,” Ryu told reporters after his win in San Francisco.
He’s likely to get a rousing ovation from the crowd Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies when he makes his first start at Chavez Ravine since the tragedy.
