Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said on the 30th that Kim Sang-hyeon, 58, who had worked as a middle and high school physical education teacher, donated his liver, lungs, and both kidneys to four patients through brain-dead organ donation and passed away.
Kim was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumor in May, and his condition rapidly worsened, leading to brain death in just over a month. Kim's family decided on organ donation in consideration of the deceased's character.
In 2012, Kim rescued three kindergarteners who had fallen into a stream in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and received a commendation from the North Jeolla Provincial Police Agency chief. He was also known to have donated blood regularly.
Born in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, Kim worked as a middle and high school physical education teacher for nearly 20 years. He excelled in events such as marathons and tennis, and after leaving the teaching profession, he continued to work as a tennis coach until recently.
Kim also went on family hikes with his three daughters and frequented tennis courts. The eldest daughter said, "My father always looked after others first," adding, "I am sorry that I could not be more filial."
Lee Sam-yeol, head of the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA), said, "Kim Sang-hyeon's life led to sharing that saved the lives of four people even in his final moments," and added, "I hope the courage and warmth the deceased showed will be remembered for a long time."