Zhang Lei, 24, is seen in this undated photo. He recently received 80,000 yuan (US$10,351) from South Korean transsexual entertainer Harisu to help realize his dream of undergoing sex reassignment surgery. [File Photo: qlwb.com.cn]

South Korean transsexual beauty Harisu has offered financial help to a Chinese man who is trying to raise enough money for sex reassignment surgery.

On Sunday, Harisu traveled to Jinan in eastern China's Shandong province and handed 80,000 yuan (US$10,351) to Zhang Lei, who was reportedly overwhelmed by the generous offer, according to the local Qilu Evening News.

Harisu said she believed Zhang Lei will eventually become a charismatic woman.

Earlier, Zhang Lei was acknowledged by a local hospital to suffer from transsexualism, a condition in which one desires to live as a member of the opposite sex.

He worked at several part-time jobs to earn enough money for the heavy medical expenses for sex reassignment surgery. Jinan Han's Orthopaedic Hospital recently agreed to halve the fee, but the rest, about 100,000 yuan (US$12,939), still posed a big burden to the 24-year-old.

The hospital then helped him get in touch with Harisu, who was glad to offer support after hearing the story.

Doctors at the hospital say Zhang Lei will have to undergo several phases of surgeries. The first is set to begin soon this month thanks to Harisu's help.