Coming back from old the older version of maplestory

Hi, I ended up quitting the older version and want to start playing soulms again and noticed there has been an update? did this mean all characters and accounts were deleted? just wondering if i have to start again
and also if they were, is there a possibility to revive donator equips?

thanks in advance.

Yes, and if you did donate and you still have the proof, you can post it in the donations section.