Celebs like Hyun Bin & Taylor Swift who are using their star power to lift spirits

Crash Landing on You actor Hyun Bin wrote a warm message to all his fans saying: “I’m aware that as a result of the coronavirus, which has spread through China, Japan, Korea, as well as the entire world has caused your days to be filled with worry and anxiousness. I’m writing this letter to ask if you’re in a safe place. Just like how we always cheered each other on and overcame crises as difficult as this one, I’m hoping that the COVID-19 situation comes to an end soon.

“I’d also like to thank those who are working day in and day out to defeat this virus, and cheer you on until the end. And to those who are suffering from the virus, I hope you recover as quickly as possible. I hope that all of you reading this letter protect yourselves from the virus, and I’ll continue to pray that this comes to an end soon.”

American pop superstar Taylor Swift has been quietly making donations to fans as well as employees of a Nashville record store who are facing financial stress due to the outbreak.

One fan tweeted about how she received US$3,000 (S$4,300) through PayPal from Swift, along with a note that said: “Erin, I saw your tweets about the financial and emotional stress you’re under right now and it made me want so badly to help. I’m so sorry about your job and the uncertainty of what’s going on right now. I hope this gift of $3,000 will help. I loved meeting you in New York and I hope you’re safe and healthy! Your pal, Taylor”.

Hosted by English star Elton John, the star-studded livestream concert features music acts such as Backstreet Boys, Camila Cabello, Billie Eilish and Sam Smith performing from their living rooms.

Viewers watching through United States network Fox and radio station iHeartMedia were encouraged to donate to two charities, Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation. The show raised a total of US$8 million.

While the livestream is not available worldwide, pop star Mariah Carey has uploaded her performance to her YouTube channel.

British host-comedian James Corden’s US talk show might be on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that has not stopped him from making online broadcasts from his garage.

For Homefest: A Late Late Show Special, he roped in celebrity music friends ranging from Dua Lipa, who sang Don’t Start Now from her London flat, to K-pop superstars BTS, who performed hit song Boy With Luv while in quarantine in South Korea.

Besides raising funds for charities Feed the Children and The CDC Foundation, viewers were also given tips on how to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Pop star Rihanna donated US$5 million through The Clara Lionel Foundation, named after her grandparents, to organisations involved in the fight against the coronavirus.

Beneficiaries include the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund and International Rescue Committee.

She also joined forces with Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation to raise an additional US$2 million for Mayor’s Fund For L.A. and other US organisations helping those in need during the outbreak.

Country music star and actress Dolly Parton donated US$1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

She wrote in an Instagram post: “My long-time friend Dr Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure.”

She also encouraged fans to donate to the cause.

You’ve Got A Friend singer James Taylor and his wife Kim donated US$1 million to Massachusetts General Hospital’s Emergency Response Fund. Taylor was born at the same Boston hospital.

He said in a statement: “Kim and I want to be part of this fight. We have been so inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the healthcare heroes in the trenches who are working so hard to protect us all.”

The couple also donated US$350,000 to establish the Covid-19 Relief Fund for not-for-profit organisation Berkshire Health Systems.

Lady Gaga’s make-up line Haus Laboratories is donating 20 per cent of its profits from online sales to New York and Los Angeles food banks affected by closures brought about by the outbreak.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Twitter that the Telephone singer was on a call with him on her birthday, March 28, trying to find out how she could best assist the organisation.

American music icon Carole King sang an updated version of her 1971 song So Far Away on social media and also gave words of encouragement to fans in quarantine as well as those working hard battling the outbreak.

“So far away/Everybody has to stay in one place anymore/It would be so fine to see your face at my door/ Doesn’t help to know/You’re just time away,” she sang.

The original version can be found on her 1971 classic album Tapestry, a Grammy-winning release that is also one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Chinese-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma has started a new series of videos of himself performing classical pieces, #SongsOfComfort, dedicating them to groups such as healthcare workers at the front lines of the pandemic.

“In these days of anxiety, I wanted to find a way to continue to share some of the music that gives me comfort,” he wrote.

Jeanette Aw, who has just returned from filming in Beijing, also responded to the policy of self-segregation at home. She said in the short video on epidemic prevention that “the virus is not affected by people or country, it can infect anyone” so please remember to isolate the virus, not love, don’t overreact and attack others.

Can’t deny the power of Zhou Xun, her video went viral within minutes. Wearing a mask in the video, she reminded everyone to actively wear a mask and wash their hands. Zhou Xun also emphasised to the netizens not to start rumors or believe in rumors.

Wang Yuan encouraged everyone by saying ‘as long as your heart is there, it is reunion’. He also reminded everyone that amidst the virus outbreak, remain grateful, have less complaints and stick to the safety protocol.

Frankly speaking, we rarely see Deng Chao being so serious. He said that only when everyone comes together and adheres to the rules of washing hands and wearing masks, will we successfully overcome the disease. If you can’t buy a mask, at least stock up on hand sanitizers.

‘Dao Mingshi’ from the popular drama ‘Meteor Garden’ reminded his fans to sanitise their hands, ventilate their homes, wash hands properly and avoid mass gatherings. Meanwhile, if you’re bored at home do spend time binge-watching his new drama ‘Ever night 2’.

Shen Yue, our favourite actor from the main cast of ‘Meteor Garden’ put a message out asking viewers: ‘Have you washed your hands and worn your masks?’ Shen Yue also reminded front line medical personnel to take care of themselves as they are looking after others.

Wang Yibo from the popular drama ‘The Untamed’ also took part in sending a heartwarming message to the public. He said to be wary of random animals, reminded the public to ensure raw foods are cooked thoroughly before consuming and to be quick to see a doctor if you are feeling sick.

Being a Wuhan citizen, Zhu Yilong used Wuhan dialect to encourage his hometown. If you think your situation is bad, imagine the people in Wuhan, with the whole city in lockdown, no deliveries, no milk teas, no public transport, talk about no work life balance.

The groom-to-be Hang Geng reminded the sons and daughters of families to constantly update their parents of the news on Covid 19. Being tech savvy and having information with a click on our phones, the younger generations are well-equipped with knowledge as compared to our parents. Hence, always remind your parents the importance of wearing mask and washing hands.

This article was first published in The Straits Times and NUYOU.