If you've been online at any point over the last few weeks, you are bound to have seen
at least one person doing the "Ice Bucket Challenge."
For the latest on this viral sensation, our Yim Yoonhee joins us.
For those that don't know,... the Ice Bucket Challenge is a fundraising activity to fight
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
The deal is once you're challenged, you either have to pour a bucket of ice water over yourself,
or donate 100 dollars to the cause.
Most people choose to do both, but there's actually been some backlash against the Ice
Bucket Challenge.
One man's story is fighting back against it.
Take a look.
In just a few days, the ALS bucket challenge has raised an additional 57 million US dollars,
since Arirang last reported three days ago.
The total donation is now at almost 80 million US dollars as of today according to the ALS
Association.
But one man's Ice Bucket Challenge video is causing another viral wildfire, and has given
the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge another boost of energy.
Uploaded just one week ago,...
Anthony Carbajal's Ice Bucket Challenge acceptance starts off just like any other,... with maybe
just a little more skin showing.
However, after the deed has been done, he continues the video with a message to the
public.
"Why did I do it?
ALS runs in my family.
My grandmother had it,.. my mother has it,... and I was diagnosed at just 26 years old."
2.09-2.55
The heart-wrenching video received over 14 million views in just one week,... and within
that same span of time, donations to the ALS Association have increased almost 3.5 times,...
with a the total now hovering around 80 million US dollars.
Here in Korea, it's spreading like wildfire as well.
And it's proving to have no boundaries, as Saenuri Party members dump a bucket of ice
water over the head of chairman Kim Moo-sung.
And of course, it's been contagious in the world of K-pop as well, sparking some very
generous decisions.
Superstar Rain, has donated nearly 100-thousand dollars to the cause,... saying he hopes that
one day soon they will find a cure.
Even though the weather starts to cool, the fire behind the Ice Bucket Challenge doesn't
look like it'll be dwindling anytime soon.
So what have been some of the criticisms of the Ice Bucket Challenge?
The challenge started in the United States, where they are currently facing a water shortage.
California for example is in an extreme drought and people are saying the Ice Bucket Challenge
is a huge waste of water.
Also people say the funds that would have gone to other causes are now all being funneled
into the ALS Association.
Yes i have heard that before.
Other foundations are fearing that they will receive less funding.
Also,... people are worried about the future,... saying some foundations might try to re-create
this type of situation.
There are obviously mixed feelings behind that as well.
And there have even been dangers linked to the challenge.
Right, there have been a few injuries, even a couple deaths, linked to the Ice Bucket
Challenge.
Some people get injured after the bucket drops on their head,... and one Scottish teenager
apparently died from drowning.
We've seen a few Korean celebrities take part in the challenge.
Has there been any new developments?
In the beginning, it was a big thing with celebrities, and now it's spreading to CEO's,
but it's also taking it's turn around Arirang as well.
Our very own sportscaster SJ Lee participated, and I think he named a few other Arirang members
as well.
So we'll have to wait and see.
Thank you for that report.
Thank you.