South Korean man donates blood 700 times over 45 years

Hong Jun-ho, a 65-year-old man born in 1961, has reached a remarkable milestone: 700 blood donations. His consistent commitment began in 1981, when he was just 20 years old, and has continued for 45 years.

The Korean Red Cross Seoul Central Blood Center announced on August 19 that Hong achieved his 700th donation on August 15, Korea's Liberation Day, at a donation center in Guro Digital Complex, Seoul. His journey started after witnessing a young child receiving a blood transfusion during a visit to a sick acquaintance at Seoul National University Hospital. The sight of the child and the realization of the need for blood deeply moved him to participate.

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Donating blood is an act of love that can be done with a healthy body when one is healthy.

Since his first donation, Hong has regularly donated platelets for leukemia patients and has also supported hematopoietic stem cell transplants. He even brought his children to donation centers when they were young, ensuring they understood the significance of giving blood. He expressed his intention to continue donating as long as his health allows, stating, "Donating blood is an act of love that can be done with a healthy body when one is healthy."

Park Ki-hong, director of the Seoul Central Blood Center, praised Hong's dedication, noting that "one person's consistent practice provides great strength to patients who need blood." He expressed hope that Hong's story would raise awareness about the value of blood donation among the public.

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One person's consistent practice provides great strength to patients who need blood.