Nonprofit Snail of Love to hold concert, demands gov't policy change for hearing-impaired

The Snail of Love, a nonprofit for the hearing-impaired, is holding a music concert Saturday with star singers and actors in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, to call for change in Korea’s current cochlear implant policy.

A concert by the clarinet ensemble under The Snail of Love perform its regular concert in 2017. The Snail of Love, a nonprofit for the hearing-impaired, will be holding a music concert on Saturday at Coex in southern Seoul. [THE SNAIL OF LOVE]

The Saturday event will feature celebrities like singers Lee Juck and Lee Seok-hoon, musical actor Bae Dae-hae and actor Yoo In-na. [THE SNAIL OF LOVE]

The Snail of Love, a nonprofit for the hearing-impaired, is holding a music concert Saturday with star singers and actors at Coex in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, to call for change in Korea’s current cochlear implant policy.

Singers Lee Juck and Lee Seok-hoon, musical actor Bae Da-hae and actor Yoo In-na will participate in the concert, dubbed “Could You Say That Again?” (translated) ,which will take place at the convention center's Conference Hall 401 from 5 p.m.

Lee Juck, an honorary ambassador for the organization, will perform a song with lyrics that he jointly wrote with The Snail of Love’s choir Soul Singers. All of its six members are hearing-impaired.

Singer Lee Juck, ambassador of The Snail of Love [THE SNAIL OF LOVE]

Poster of the upcoming musical concert hosted by nonprofit The Snail of Love, dubbed "Could You Say That Again?" slated for Saturday at Gangnam District, southern Seoul [THE SNAIL OF LOVE]

Other programs include a rendition of “Nella Fantasia” by Bae; a joint performance of “Beautiful Country” (2007, translated) by The Snail of Love’s clarinet ensemble and Bae; and Yoo’s read-aloud, which will be accompanied by illustrations projected in the background.

Through the music concert, the nonprofit hopes to call attention to the “lacking” insurance policy regarding cochlear implants, which only covers 40 percent of the cost for a single implant. Australia and Singapore’s policies, in comparison, cover the costs of cochlear implants in full every five years.

A cochlear implant is a device that can be surgically implanted to enhance the sense of sound for those with severe to profound hearing loss. The internal part of the device is designed to last indefinitely, but the outer hardware typically lasts around five to 10 years, according to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, United States.

The Snail of Love is currently collecting signatures online for the cause.

It has supported over 2,500 hearing-impaired people with cochlear implant surgeries and speech therapy since its founding in 2000 to the second half of 2024, according to the organization.

The Snail of Love is also currently running a hearing aid support campaign for war veterans, and Saturday’s concert will feature a history wall commemorating veterans from the Vietnam War (1955-75).

BY LEE JIAN [lee.jian@joongang.co.kr]