A 30-year-old who grew up under a single mother, caring for younger siblings while pursuing dreams, gave the gift of new life to seven people through organ donation and died.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said on the 16th that on Feb. 6 at Chosun University Hospital, Oh Seon-jae donated a heart, lungs, liver, both kidneys and eyes.
Oh lost consciousness in an unexpected accident at a restaurant on Jan. 18 and was diagnosed with a cerebral hemorrhage. After surgery, there was relief when consciousness returned, and Oh even told the mother, "I love you." But Oh's condition worsened again and was ultimately declared brain-dead.
Oh's mother, Choi Ra-yun, said, "I recalled my son saying, 'If I just leave this world, it's meaningless, so at the last moment of life I will save another life,'" and added, "I agreed to donate, hoping that at least a part of my son would live on somewhere."
Born the eldest of two sons and one daughter in Gwangyang, South Jeolla, Oh lost the father at age 5. Growing up under a single mother, Oh was said to be a good child who looked after younger siblings and even helped with the mother's family affairs.
In particular, starting in high school, Oh earned spending money through part-time jobs and later helped the household by doing various work such as delivery and driving a cargo truck.
After landing a job in 2024, Oh told the mother, "Now all that's left is to make money," and promised, "Don't worry. I'll make sure to buy you a house later."
As she bid Oh a final farewell, the mother, Choi, wept, saying, "Seon-jae, I miss you so much. I don't ask for anything else. I only need you," and, "I hope you'll come back again as my son."