Tobacco firm in hospital operation

South Korea’s biggest tobacco manufacturer and its employees have provided a cultural facility at the Myongi Hospital in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, as part of a social contribution project, according to a story in The Korea Herald.

KT&G is said to have donated 150 million won ($124,000) to the hospital so that it can more easily stage musical performances for patients and their families.

Myongi Hospital was chosen as the beneficiary because it had been staging about 200 performances a year, the company said.

Previously, performances were held on the floor of the hospital’s lobby, but the facility, referred to as the Sangsang stage, will provide a raised stage equipped with an LED screen.

The project was carried out through the company’s Sangsang Fund, a fund made up of voluntary contributions from KT&G employees.

KT&G plans to provide also 45 million won to help cover operational costs for staging performances.