Pitcher Ryu holds autograph event to help victims of sunken ferry

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin held an autograph signing event to help victims of the sunken ferry Sewol. The autographing event was held to raise funds on Monday (Korea time) at a site in Viva Los Angeles at outdoor parking lots at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Through the event, more than 300 fans including Korean Americans, participated in donation and received Ryu’s autographs to share the pain of victims from the ill-fated ferry. It was the first time that Ryu attended an official autographing event, wearing the Dodgers uniform.

After the event, Ryu said, “I hope that this will give help in a small way,” adding, “I am very grateful to fans who attended today’s event.” Asked by a local reporter to what extent he is aware of the accident in Korea, Ryu said, “I don’t know everything, but I am paying attention to developments with keen interest. It is a heartbreaking incident. I hope such a disaster would never happen again.” Ryu donated 100 million won (96,000 U.S. dollars) through his HJ 99 Foundation to assist relief efforts following the sinking of the Sewol.