Im Chae-mu opens Doori Land wider for disabled visitors

Doori Land, the amusement park located in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do, operated by actor Im Chae-mu, is stepping forward to expand social participation opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. On July 6, Doori Land and Down Welfare Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support cultural and leisure activities for people with developmental disabilities and to create an inclusive society where people with and without disabilities can coexist.

At the signing ceremony, Im Chae-mu was appointed as the official honorary ambassador for Down Welfare Center. As an ambassador, Im plans to participate in campaigns to improve disability awareness and continue social contribution activities to expand cultural enjoyment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

"If Doori Land was a space that gave dreams to children, moving forward, I want to join in delivering hope to people with developmental disabilities as well," Im Chae-mu stated. "I will lend my strength to creating a society where everyone can laugh together, transcending the boundaries between disability and non-disability."

Maintaining Doori Land Amidst 10 billion Won in Debt

The economic hardships Im Chae-mu has faced while operating Doori Land are well known to the public. Having operated Doori Land for 36 years since its opening in 1991, he revealed his situation last year on KBS 2TV's 'Boss in the Mirror.'

At that time, Im Chae-mu disclosed that regarding his remaining debt of 19 billion won, the monthly interest alone was approximately 80 million won, and electricity costs alone reached 30 million won. He shared the management difficulties, noting that while fixed monthly costs amount to about 120 million won, daily sales are at the level of 160,000 to 320,000 won. When appearing on the same program again last October, he mentioned that the scale of his debt had decreased, stating, "It is true that I have debt, but I have paid off a lot, so it is not even 10 billion won."

Expanding Welfare Programs for the Disabled in Connection with the Local Community

This agreement was prepared to increase accessibility to culture and leisure for people with developmental disabilities and to foster an inclusive culture within the local community. With this agreement, Down Welfare Center plans to continuously expand various programs and cooperative projects that link culture, welfare, and the local community.

"The happiness of people with disabilities is a value that all members of the local community must create together," said Shin Myeong-jin, director of Down Welfare Center. "Together with ambassador Im Chae-mu, we will deliver hope and warm interest to more people."

Meanwhile, Im Chae-mu, who debuted as an MBC 6th generation open recruitment talent in 1973, has been active in numerous dramas such as 'Three Families Under One Roof,' 'Love and Truth,' 'Country Diaries,' and 'Chief Inspector.'