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Man donates organs to four people after being declared brain dead, days before son's wedding
🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

Man donates organs to four people after being declared brain dead, days before son's wedding

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Song Ki-seop, a 67-year-old man, donated his organs to four recipients after being declared brain dead.
  • His family decided to proceed with the donation, honoring his compassionate nature and his wish to not receive life support.
  • Song was awaiting his son's wedding and his daughter's childbirth, making his passing particularly poignant for his family.

A 67-year-old man, Song Ki-seop, has given the gift of life to four individuals by donating his organs after being declared brain dead. The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on Tuesday that Song passed away on June 3rd, following his organ donation at Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital.

My husband expressed his wish not to receive life-sustaining treatment, and given his usual consideration for others, I thought he would be happy if he could continue living through organ donation.

— Yoon An-soonSong Ki-seop's wife explaining the family's decision to donate his organs.

Song was rushed to the hospital on May 25th after experiencing dizziness and was diagnosed with a cerebral infarction. Despite treatment and surgery, he succumbed to a brain hemorrhage. His family, knowing his considerate nature, made the decision to donate his organs. His wife, Yoon An-soon, stated that her husband had expressed a desire not to undergo life-sustaining treatment and believed he would be happy knowing a part of him would continue to live on in others.

Although my father wasn't very expressive, he meticulously cared for his children and always bowed respectfully to elders. I admired that.

— Song In-gyuSong Ki-seop's son reflecting on his father's character.

Song, the eldest of four siblings, had worked as a truck driver for nearly two decades after his career. In recent years, he had tirelessly worked to support his family and care for his 90-year-old mother. He was remembered by his wife as a devoted husband who always ensured she had a fan during hot summers, and by his children as a father who expressed love through actions rather than words.

Honey, I hope you can now let go of your heavy burdens and fly freely. Even though you are no longer in this world, someone will carry a part of you, and I will live on with that as my comfort. I love you.

— Yoon An-soonYoon An-soon's final message to her husband.

His son, Song In-gyu, recalled his father as someone who meticulously cared for his children and always showed deep respect to elders. The family is deeply saddened that Song will not be able to witness his son's wedding, scheduled for November, or meet his grandchild due this autumn. His wife shared a heartfelt farewell, expressing hope that he is now free from burdens and will find solace in knowing his legacy lives on.

It was good to be your son until the very end. I was truly proud and grateful. Dad, I love you very much.

— Song In-gyuSong Ki-seop's son's message to his father.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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