Actress Choi Gang-hee has donated her bone marrow to a patient in need.

The Korea Marrow Donor Program says Choi pledged to donate in 1999 and recently found a patient with a gene match.

A program official said, "Most people think marrow donation is dangerous and are reluctant to agree to surgery, but Choi donated hers with no hesitatation even though she was shooting a film."

Choi's aide said, "We first decided to keep the surgery a secret out of fear of potential misunderstanding but we hope the public will see it as a good cause, hoping for the best results."

Choi is the first Korean celebrity to donate bone marrow.

Choi has finished filming director Lee Han's new film 'My Love' opposite actor Gam Woo-seon.