Man in his 60s gives new life to 4 people through last-minute organ donation

A conscientious man in his 60s who cared deeply for his family donated his organs at the last moment of his life, giving new life to four people.

According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency on the 18th, Shin Bong-seok (65 years old) donated his liver, lungs, and both kidneys at Ajou University Hospital on April 6.

On the 3rd of the same month, Mr. Shin suffered a fall accident while returning home from work and was declared brain dead.

The wife, surnamed Kwon, agreed to organ donation, recalling the conversations she had with her husband.

Ms. Kwon reflected, "I was unable to donate properly due to difficult circumstances, but my husband and I often talked about things like, 'If the circumstances allow, let's at least donate organs,' and 'Let's leave at least a trace of our lives in this world.'"

Mr. Shin, from Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, worked at a construction company when he was young, but when the company faced difficulties due to the foreign exchange crisis, he worked in the transportation business, driving academy vehicles and commuter buses for 30 years.

According to his bereaved family, he had a strong sense of responsibility to the point that he never missed work, and he was a conscientious husband who only knew about work and family.

It is said that even though he lived with his wife for over 30 years, he was a person who never made a loud noise, and even when his wife made mistakes, he never got angry and just laughed it off.

In particular, he was a very warm son-in-law to his wife's family.

I visited my father-in-law and mother-in-law, who were ill, every weekend for six to seven years, without missing a single week.

His wife, Kwon, said, “It’s not easy to put all your heart into your in-laws, and I feel sad that such a good and kind person has left.”

Mr. Shin's only pleasures were occasional fishing trips and walks with his dog.

The couple, who had lived a busy life without a single photo or memory, dreamed of spending the rest of their lives traveling together after retirement.

Mr. Kwon said his goodbyes, saying, "I can't stop crying when I think about it because I didn't know he would go like this without preparation. I'm sorry for not being able to treat him better. I was happy and happy to meet my husband."

To those who received their husband's organs as a donation, she said, "I hope that you live a healthy, happy, and faithful life, up to your husband's share."