The Final Gift of a 71-Year-Old Late-Blooming Doctor: Gave New Life to Five Before Passing Away

Korea Organ Donation Agency Shares Story of Life-Saving Gift
Family Says, "Donation Was in Accordance with the Deceased’s Wishes"

The Korea Organ Donation Agency announced on the 29th that on August 20th last year, 71-year-old Jeonghee Ham donated his liver, both kidneys, and both eyes while brain-dead at Jeonbuk National University Hospital. Photo by Yonhap News

A man in his 70s who never neglected learning, even in his later years, gave the gift of new life to five people at the end of his own.

The Korea Organ Donation Agency announced on the 29th that on August 20th last year, Jeonghee Ham (71) donated his liver, both kidneys, and both eyes from a brain-dead state at Jeonbuk National University Hospital.

On August 14th last year, Mr. Ham collapsed with a sudden, severe headache while returning home after finishing work. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but was diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction and fell into a brain-dead state.

The family decided to proceed with organ donation, honoring the deceased's noble wish to value life and practice sharing throughout his life.

Mr. Ham also donated human tissues, including bones and blood vessels. Tissue donation can help restore functional ability to around 100 patients.

According to the bereaved family, Mr. Ham worked in the domestic soybean processing business for about 30 years and devoted himself to academic pursuits throughout his life, earning a doctorate in health administration in his late 60s.

The family said, "Although it has been nearly a year since his passing, we hope that his spirit of sharing life will become known to the world, even if belatedly."

Mr. Ham's son, Seungwoo Park, said, "My mother devoted every moment of her life to work, so I hope she can finally enjoy complete rest now."

Ryu Byungdeok, a longtime friend who was like a sibling to the deceased, also offered his final farewell, saying, "Until the day we meet again to share stories of our lives and research, I will live without forgetting my sister’s wishes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.