A man in his 60s, who had lived on dialysis for 20 years, died after saving one life through organ donation in a state of brain death.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) announced on the 11th that Mr. Han Yeong-seok, 69, donated his lungs at Korea University Ansan Hospital, saving one life before passing away on the 10th of last month.
Mr. Han collapsed from a brain hemorrhage on his way home after finishing church worship on the 8th of last month and was urgently transported to a nearby hospital; however, the pressure on his head was so severe that basic tests were impossible, rendering recovery essentially impossible in a state of brain death. The family decided to donate, believing that giving new life to others was far more valuable.
Born as the sixth of nine siblings in Haenam, Jeollanam-do, Mr. Han enjoyed various arts such as music, movies, and tennis, and was a loving father who took his two sons on a motorcycle to theaters or restaurants together. He lived on dialysis for about 20 years but always visited the hospital with a bright face, thanks to his uniquely positive personality.
Mr. Han's son said, "We had planned to go on a trip to Jeju Island together, but it stays in my heart that we never went." He noted, "I vowed to live more warmly, inspired by my father's faith and positive spirit."