Mongolian Teen Who Called Korea Home Gives Life to Five Through Organ Donation

A 16-year-old Mongolian boy, who viewed South Korea as his home, has given the gift of life to five people through organ donation after his death. Lee Tae-oh, who had lived in South Korea for 10 years, was declared brain dead at Korea University Guro Hospital on June 11 following a severe traffic accident on June 3.

His family, honoring his compassionate nature, consented to the organ donation. His sister, Yoon-ah, recalled his kindness, saying, "Tae-oh was a child who always put others before himself and loved to give. If he were alive, he would have said, 'Why didn't you let me help others more then?'" This sentiment guided their decision.

Born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in January 2010, Tae-oh had moved to South Korea with his parents a decade ago. He was a first-year high school student, more familiar with Korean language and culture than his native country. He cheered for South Korea during soccer matches and naturally sang the national anthem, truly considering Korea his home. He even dreamed of starting his own business in South Korea.

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Tae-oh was a child who always put others before himself and loved to give. If he were alive, he would have said, 'Why didn't you let me help others more then?'

Known for his bright and active personality, Tae-oh enjoyed sports like basketball, soccer, and judo. He was also deeply considerate of those around him. At his middle school graduation, he proactively approached classmates who seemed to have no one to take photos with. His popularity continued into high school, where he was elected class president.

Around 100 friends and teachers gathered at his funeral to bid a tearful farewell. His mother, Lee Soon-yi, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for being born as my beloved son. I wasn't just giving you love, Mom; I was happy receiving so much love through you." She added, referencing a Mongolian saying about spirits returning to family, "I hope you will come back to our family someday."

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Mom, thank you for being born as my beloved son. I wasn't just giving you love, Mom; I was happy receiving so much love through you. I hope you will come back to our family someday.