Teacher's Last Lesson Was 'Organ Donation'... 'A Choice Befitting the Professor'

The Hankyoreh shares a deeply moving story about Professor Kim Mi-hyang of Masan University's Smart Electrical Engineering department, who chose to donate her organs after being declared brain dead, offering the gift of life to three individuals.

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When I heard the news that she donated her organs, I thought it was a choice befitting the professor.

Professor Kim, 63, was found collapsed at her home and subsequently fell into a brain-dead state. Shortly before Teacher's Day, she made the selfless decision to donate her liver and kidneys. Her students and colleagues remember her not only for her academic contributions but also for her profound dedication to her students' well-being and her unwavering commitment to her work. Her passing comes just months before her planned retirement next August, a milestone she was reportedly still actively planning for in terms of student career support and scholarships.

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The professor taught us not only specialized knowledge but also her attitude towards work, her sense of responsibility, and her determination to see things through.

The article highlights the profound impact Professor Kim had on her students. Go Tae-min, one of her students, described her organ donation as a "choice befitting the professor," emphasizing that Kim taught not only technical knowledge but also the importance of attitude, responsibility, and perseverance. Her colleague, Professor Ju Seok-min, fondly recalled her as a "motherly figure" who warmly embraced her students.

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Professor Kim was like a mother to her students, embracing them warmly.

Professor Kim's only daughter, Park Da-bin, shared her grief and her understanding of her mother's final act. Despite the immense personal loss, Park consented to the organ donation, believing her mother, who always enjoyed giving, would approve. She expressed her determination to live a meaningful life, honoring her mother's sacrifice. This story, from the perspective of the Hankyoreh, emphasizes the enduring legacy of compassion and selflessness, showcasing an act of profound generosity that transcends personal loss and offers hope to others. It's a narrative that resonates deeply within Korean society, where respect for educators and the value of life are highly cherished.

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Even though I desperately wanted to save my mother, I also wanted to help other patients.