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Man's organ donation gives life to four after his passing

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • A 67-year-old man in South Korea gave the gift of life to four people through organ donation after he passed away from brain death.
  • The man, Song Ki-seop, was awaiting the birth of his first grandchild and had dedicated his life to his family.
  • His family decided to donate his organs, honoring his lifelong consideration for others, allowing parts of him to live on.

A South Korean man, Song Ki-seop, 67, has given the gift of life to four individuals through organ donation after his passing. Song died on June 3rd from brain death, donating his liver, lungs, and corneas. He also donated his human tissues, which can benefit up to eight more recipients.

Song was diagnosed with a cerebral infarction after suddenly collapsing on May 25th. Despite treatment and surgery, he fell into a brain-dead state. His family, knowing his considerate nature, decided to proceed with the organ donation.

I hope you can now put down your heavy burden 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 comfort. I love you.

— Yoon An-soonSong Ki-seop's wife's final farewell to her husband.

His wife, Yoon An-soon, stated that her husband had expressed a wish not to undergo life-sustaining treatment. She believed he would be happy knowing he could continue to live on through others. Song, the eldest of four siblings, worked as a truck driver for nearly 20 years to support his family. He also cared for his elderly mother in recent years.

It was good to be the son of a father who gave the most precious love until his last moment. I was really proud and grateful. Dad, I love you so much.

— Song In-gyuSong Ki-seop's son expressing his feelings about his father.

He was a devoted husband and father, expressing love through actions rather than words. His son, Song In-gyu, recalled his father's meticulous care for his children and his respectful demeanor towards elders. Song Ki-seop had been eagerly awaiting his son's wedding in November and his daughter's childbirth this autumn. His wife expressed deep sadness that he would not meet his grandchild.

"I hope you can now put down your heavy burden and fly freely," Yoon said to her husband in her final farewell. "Even though you are no longer in this world, someone will carry a part of you, and I will live on with that as comfort. I love you."

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

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