Late-Life Doctorate Recipient, 71, Donates Organs to Five People

A 71-year-old man, who pursued higher education late in life, has given the gift of life to five individuals through organ donation after his passing. Ham Jeong-hui, who obtained a doctorate in health administration in his late 60s, was declared brain dead following a sudden illness.

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Ham donated his liver, both kidneys, corneas, and various tissues, including bones and blood vessels, on August 20th of last year. His contributions are expected to help restore functional abilities for over 100 patients.

Ham collapsed after complaining of severe headaches while returning home from work on August 14th. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction and subsequently fell into a brain-dead state.

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I hope my mother can now find complete rest after a life that was all work.

His family decided to proceed with the organ donation, honoring Ham's expressed wishes and his lifelong dedication to cherishing life and practicing generosity. Ham had been involved in research and processing of domestic soybeans for about 30 years before achieving his academic milestone.

Nearly a year after his passing, Ham's family felt compelled to share the story of his noble act of life-sharing with the public. His son, Park Seung-woo, expressed hope that his mother could now find complete rest after a life dedicated to her work. A close friend, Ryu Byeong-deok, also paid tribute, promising to remember Ham's wishes and live by his example.

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Until the day we meet again and talk about our lives and research, I will not forget my sister's wishes and will live by them.