SEOUL (Reuters) -- U.S. pop star Michael Jackson said on Tuesday he would lead a star-studded lineup in benefit concerts in South Korea and Germany to raise funds for children in Kosovo, Africa and elsewhere.
"I've wanted to help these suffering children for a very, very long time," the reclusive singer said in a videotaped statement. "These innocent children are in such pain because of the greed and political disagreement of us adults."To help these children is not charity. It is our duty."
The first concert, titled "Michael Jackson and Friends: What more can I do?" will be held in the Olympic Stadium in Seoul on June 25, followed two days later by a performance in the Olympic Stadium in Munich.
Performers such as Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men are set to take part, while film star Elizabeth Taylor and guitarist Slash of heavy metal group Guns 'N Roses would appear as special guests, said Marcel Avram, the president of Jackson's production company.
International pop artists such as Russia's Alla Pugatchova and Philip Kirkorow, the German group Scorpions and the Swedish duo Roxette were also slated to attend, he said.
Proceeds from the concerts in Seoul and Munich would be dispersed through the International Committee of the Red Cross, Nelson Mandela's Children's Fund and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Jackson said.