South Korean Hairdresser Donates Organs, Saving Four Lives

A 55-year-old hairdresser, Lee Geum-mi, has given the gift of life to four individuals through organ donation after her passing. Lee, who had been battling a progressive neurodegenerative disease known as multiple system atrophy, passed away on July 21 at the Catholic University of Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital. Her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys were donated, offering a new chance at life to four recipients.

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My sister and I talked about what good deeds we could do at the end of our lives, and we promised each other we would donate our organs.

Lee was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy approximately five years ago after experiencing persistent headaches and dizziness. The condition gradually impairs various functions of the brain and nervous system. On August 12, she suffered a sudden respiratory failure at her home, lost consciousness, and was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced brain dead.

Her family revealed that Lee had expressed her wish to donate organs multiple times before her death. Her sister shared, "My sister and I talked about what good deeds we could do at the end of our lives, and we promised each other we would donate our organs." The family respected her wishes and consented to the donation. "Hearing that my sister's organ donation allowed four people to continue their lives brought our family comfort amidst our grief," she added.

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Hearing that my sister's organ donation allowed four people to continue their lives brought our family comfort amidst our grief.

Lee worked as a hairdresser for 30 years, starting in her early twenties. She ran her own salon while also pursuing graduate studies, known for her outgoing personality and love for engaging with people. In her free time, she enjoyed golf and hiking. She cherished time with her family, often initiating hikes with her sister and family meals, serving as a central figure in the household.

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She was wonderful when she was alive, and she left this world beautifully.

Beyond her professional and family life, Lee was actively involved in community service. For about a decade, she volunteered with friends, offering free haircuts to the homeless and elderly. She also consistently donated to those in need, embodying a spirit of generosity and willingness to help others facing difficulties. A friend remarked, "She was wonderful when she was alive, and she left this world beautifully," a sentiment echoed by her sister, who saw a large rainbow in the sky on the day of the funeral, interpreting it as a sign of Lee's peaceful departure. She concluded with a final message to her sister: "I hope you are not in pain there and are well-loved by many people."

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I hope you are not in pain there and are well-loved by many people.