Who Is This American? His Act of Kindness Following IU’s Gesture to Help Citizens During the Impeachment Rally is Warming Hearts in Korea

Singer IU’s gesture of prepaying meals for citizens attending President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment rally has inspired others, with American TV personality Mark Tetto stepping up to join the initiative.

According to JTBC, on the 14th, Mark Tetto called a rice soup (Gukbap) restaurant in Yeouido, Seoul, and prepaid for 60 servings to support those at the rally. This came after IU had prepaid for 100 bowls of gukbap at the same restaurant. When IU’s servings quickly sold out due to high demand, Mark stepped in to ensure citizens could continue receiving support.

News of his thoughtful gesture spread rapidly across social media, earning widespread praise. Mark later shared his support through an Instagram post, writing, “Everyone, I’m in Korea right now,” accompanied by a heart emoji and a Korean flag.

Mark Tetto, an Italian-American originally from New York, rose to fame in Korea through JTBC’s “Non-Summit” in 2014, where he discussed Korean culture and global topics alongside other foreigners. A graduate of Princeton University, Mark began his career at Morgan Stanley before moving to Samsung Electronics in 2010. Known for his love of Korean culture, he built a traditional hanok in Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village in 2015, showcasing his deep appreciation for Korean architecture. He now serves as the co-CEO of Topo & Co Korea Asset Management (TCK) while actively participating in broadcasting and lectures.

Mark’s gesture was part of a larger wave of support from celebrities. On the same day, IU prepaid meals at bakeries, rice cake shops, and gukbap restaurants in Yeouido, while Girls’ Generation’s Yuri prepaid meals at a nearby kimbap shop. Popular girl group NewJeans contributed 110 portions of kimbap, 100 drinks, and 100 servings of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). Acclaimed director Park Chan-wook prepaid for all the bread produced that day at a Yeouido bakery.

Their collective generosity has not only provided tangible support but also deeply resonated with the public, creating a powerful sense of unity and admiration.