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🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

70-year-old woman gives life to two through organ donation

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A 76-year-old woman in South Korea has donated her organs after passing away from a brain hemorrhage, giving the gift of life to two recipients.
  • The woman, Kim Yong-bun, had previously promised her husband that they would donate organs to save lives when they passed away.
  • Her husband recalled her lifelong dedication to helping others, including over a decade of volunteer hairdressing for the elderly and her work as a caregiver.

In a heartwarming display of selfless generosity, the story of the late Kim Yong-bun, aged 76, has touched the hearts of many across South Korea. Her decision to donate her organs after succumbing to a brain hemorrhage, a condition that tragically took her life, has given two individuals a second chance at life. This act of kindness, performed with the consent and support of her devoted husband, Oh Ji-hwan, underscores a profound cultural value placed on life and compassion.

Wouldn't it be good to save the lives of sick people when we leave this world?

— Oh Ji-hwanKim Yong-bun's husband, recalling a promise they made about organ donation.

Mr. Oh Ji-hwan shared poignant memories of his wife, recounting their shared promise to contribute to life-saving efforts after their passing. He spoke of Kim Yong-bun's lifelong commitment to serving others, a commitment that extended beyond her family. For over a decade, she dedicated her time to providing free hairdressing services for the elderly, a testament to her compassionate spirit. Furthermore, she obtained a caregiver's license, actively participating in community support for her neighbors.

A life is more precious than the heavens, so I followed my wife's good heart, wanting to save as many people as possible.

— Oh Ji-hwanDescribing his wife's motivation for organ donation.

This narrative resonates deeply within South Korean society, where familial devotion and community service are highly esteemed. The act of organ donation, while still navigating societal perceptions, is increasingly seen as a noble gesture, a final act of love and altruism. Kim Yong-bun's story, as shared by her husband and reported by Hankyoreh, highlights not just an individual's profound kindness but also the enduring strength of human connection and the desire to leave a positive legacy. Her husband's tearful farewell, expressing his longing to meet her again in heaven, adds a deeply personal and emotional layer to this already moving account, reminding us of the enduring power of love and the hope for reunion.

I am so sorry and heartbroken that I couldn't provide for you financially because I was a bad husband. I only shed tears. Honey, I want to see you even in my dreams. Let's meet again in heaven. I love you.

— Oh Ji-hwanHis final message to his wife.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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