[News] Ryu Si-won takes part in relief event for Iwate of Japan. ~ COCA-COLA-ZING

[News] Ryu Si-won takes part in relief event for Iwate of Japan.
Cr. - 10asia

Hallyu star Ryu Si-won visited Iwate of Japan over the weekend, taking part in a relief event to help the region and people affected by the disastrous earthquake which hit the country in March.

R's Company announced in a press release on Monday that Ryu was invited as a special guest in the relief event held on July 2 which was hosted by Japan's NHK drama "Donde Bare" stars Japanese actress Higa Manami and actor Uchida Asahi.

Iwate and two other cities including Miyagi and Fukushima as well as other towns were severely damaged after the country was struck by an earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 that triggered a 10-meter (33-foot) wave on March 11.

This was not Ryu's first time in Iwate -- he visited the prefecture when he starred in "Donde Bare" in 2007 and visited the area again for a "Donde Bare" special in March.

The press release also stated that Ryu contacted Iwate's vice governor Ueno Yoshiharu before his visit to hear about the current situation of the quake-stricken region as well as inquire about the needed aid.

"After I visited the earthquake-stricken area and met the people there, I honestly wanted to help them in every way possible," Ryu was quoted as saying.

"In Japan, relationships amongst people is called 'kinza' and the word was used a lot in order to console one another during the disaster. I feel that 'kinza' is connected with the Korean word 'affection' which is why I want to deliver that to them."

In the meantime, Ryu is preparing for his upcoming eight city concert tour in Japan which will kick off at the Misato City Cultural Center on November 4 followed by shows in Osaka, Nagoya, Sendai and wrap up at the Saitama Super Arena on December 21.

Ryu, singer and actor, made his debut in 1994, and has starred in various dramas including "Secret" (2000, MBC), "Beautiful Days" (2001, SBS) and "Style" (2009, SBS).

He has led a particularly successful career in Japan since debuting in the country six years ago, selling out all five of his concert tours held throughout the country as well as becoming the director and race of his own pro car racing team 'TEAM106.'