A man in his 50s who worked as a pattern maker for 40 years and helped people around him like MacGyver has given new life to five people through brain-death organ donation and has passed away.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said on the 2nd that Jeong Myeong-ryong, 56, saved five people by donating his heart, both kidneys, and both eyes through brain-death organ donation at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, gave many others a new life through human tissue donation, and was laid to rest on the 14th.
On his way home from work in Jul., Jeong collapsed after losing consciousness and was rushed to a hospital, but he did not regain consciousness and fell into brain death.
Jeong had long told his family, "When people die, they go to heaven, and it seems good to save another life at the end of one's own," expressing his intent to donate. In keeping with his wishes, his family decided to donate.
Born the youngest of three sons and one daughter in Haenam, South Jeolla, Jeong was considerate, always the first to step up to help those in need, and brought smiles to those around him. In particular, after working a long time as a pattern maker, he invited people who wanted to learn garment production to his factory and gave free lectures.
Jeong's acquaintances remembered that if there was anything needed at home or in the factory, he would quickly make it like MacGyver, and he would take the initiative wherever help was needed, so among neighbors his nickname was "village head."
Jeong's wife, Kim Hye-gyeong, said, "Husband, I was always grateful, and you worked so hard. Your sudden departure weighed on my heart and was difficult, but it comforts me to know you did a good deed by saving other lives and that somewhere you still live and breathe. Live well in heaven, and please watch over us. Thank you."