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Man saves three lives with organ donation after passing

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A 67-year-old man, Kim Ki-woong, donated his organs after being declared brain dead, saving three lives.
  • He had been looking forward to meeting his second grandchild and had previously discussed refusing life support with his wife.
  • His daughter remembers him as a kind and generous person who would have approved of his final act of donation.

In a deeply moving display of altruism, the family of Kim Ki-woong, a 67-year-old man, has honored his legacy of kindness through organ donation. Kim, who tragically passed away after collapsing at work, was declared brain dead at Korea University Guro Hospital. Before his condition worsened, he and his wife had agreed to refuse life-sustaining treatment, a decision reflecting his desire not to burden his only daughter.

My father always liked to help others. I was confident that my father would readily choose organ donation and say, 'It's good, and it's even better to do a good deed on your way out.'

· Kim Yun-jiKim Ki-woong's daughter, reflecting on her father's character and his decision to donate organs.

Kim's daughter, who had just given birth to her second child, was at the postpartum care center when she received the devastating news. She rushed to the hospital but was unable to see her father before he passed. The timing of his death, just as he was anticipating the arrival of his second grandchild, adds a layer of profound sadness to this already poignant story. Yet, amidst the grief, the family finds solace in Kim's final act of generosity, which has given three individuals a second chance at life.

I hope the recipients live happy lives without pain and continue my father's good legacy.

· Kim Yun-jiExpressing wishes for the organ recipients.

Kim is remembered by his family as a devoted father and a man who consistently prioritized helping others. His daughter shared that he was the kind of person who would readily embrace organ donation, believing it to be a noble act. She fondly recalled his attentiveness, often bringing home treats for her and her child after work. This story, as reported by The Hankyoreh, resonates deeply within South Korea, where organ donation, while practiced, is often viewed with a mixture of reverence and sadness. The narrative emphasizes not just the life-saving impact of the donation but also the character of the donor, portraying Kim as a man whose generosity extended beyond his lifetime, embodying the Korean value of selfless contribution.

It is fortunate that my father could save multiple lives on his final journey.

· Kim Yun-jiFinding comfort in the positive impact of her father's donation.
About this summary

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.