Father's Organ Donation Saves Three Lives After His Passing
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kim Yong-seop, a 53-year-old man from South Korea, died after donating his organs, saving three lives.
- His daughter recalled his lifelong commitment to helping the less fortunate and believed he would have wanted to donate his organs.
- Kim, who worked in construction, was known for his integrity and kindness.
A father's compassionate final act has given three individuals a new lease on life after he passed away following organ donation. Kim Yong-seop, 53, died after donating his liver and kidneys, fulfilling a life philosophy of aiding those in need.
My father always wanted to help people who were having a hard time and be a positive influence.
His daughter, Jae-kyung, shared that her father always emphasized the importance of standing up for the weak and disadvantaged. She believes that if he were aware of the opportunity, he would have readily agreed to the donation, wanting his sacrifice to offer a new beginning to others.
Kim, originally from Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, worked in the construction industry and was described by his family as a diligent and honest individual. He was known for his strong principles, speaking out against injustice, and extending a warm heart to those facing difficulties.
If someone could gain a new life through my father's final sacrifice, I believe my father would have wanted to donate.
The organ donation took place on February 26 at Korea University Anam Hospital. Kim had initially sought medical attention for shoulder pain, but his condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to chest pain and ultimately brain death. His family's decision to donate his organs has provided a profound gift of life to three patients.
He had integrity and spoke his mind about injustice, and he had an infinitely warm heart for the powerless.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.