A "dad of many kids" in his 30s with three children gave new life to seven people through brain-death organ donation and passed away.
Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said on Mar. 2 that on Feb. 20 at Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Kim Gyeom, 38, donated his heart, lungs, liver, both kidneys, and eyes through brain-death organ donation. Kim also donated his body tissue to more than 100 people.
On Feb. 13, Kim suddenly collapsed during a church service and was rushed to a hospital. Despite more than two hours of surgery, Kim did not regain consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state.
Kim's wife, Son Ju-hee, said, "I thought my husband just fell after suddenly collapsing while playing a piece, but when I ran over, it wasn't a simple fall," and added, "When we arrived at the emergency room, the doctor said it was brain death, and that although it hadn't been officially determined, it was no different from being deceased."
When it became clear Kim would not recover, his wife, Son, recalled the sticker attached to her husband's ID. Kim had already decided to donate his organs in 2007.
Son said, "I never imagined my husband would end his life so suddenly at such a young age," and added, "But seeing his last moments, in some ways he may have brought things to a more beautiful close than when he was alive."
Kim was born the eldest of two sons in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, and was known as a warm person who took good care of those around him. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a pastor and entered a theology college, and after graduating he found a job in logistics but continued his life of faith in church.
He met his wife, Son, at church as well, and they had a 9-year-old daughter, a 7-year-old son, and a 100-day-old daughter. After finishing work, he spent time with his children, and on weekends he served on the praise team and as a Sunday school teacher at church.
Son offered a final farewell, saying, "Are you doing well in heaven? I believe you are the happiest and most at peace in God's embrace. And I'm telling Lael, Joel, and Hiel that their dad was truly blessed and a good person. I will love them more and raise them well for both of us, so please watch over us from heaven."