Father Who Told His Soldier Daughter to "Stand with the Weak" Saves Three Lives Through Organ Donation

Visited Hospital for Shoulder Pain, Declared Brain Dead
Soldier Daughter: "Proud of My Father... I Respect and Love You"

A man in his 50s, who always taught his daughter, a soldier, to stand on the side of the vulnerable, gave the gift of new life to three people through brain death organ donation before passing away.

Mr. Yongseop Kim, who saved three lives through organ donation, and his daughter Jaekyung Kim. Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency on June 16, Yongseop Kim (53) donated his liver and both kidneys at Korea University Anam Hospital on February 26, saving the lives of three people.

On February 20, Kim visited the hospital for shoulder pain, but suddenly experienced chest pain and lost consciousness. His condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to brain death, and his family, recalling his lifelong wishes, agreed to donate his organs.

His only daughter, Jaekyung Kim, said, "My father always wanted to help those in need and be a positive influence," and added, "If someone can gain a new life through my father's final act of sacrifice, I am sure he would have wanted to donate."

Originally from Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, Kim worked in construction and lived diligently for his family. According to his family, he was someone who spoke out firmly against injustice and was warmer than anyone else to those without power. He was also a kind adult who made those around him—including his daughter's friends, who naturally called him 'dad'—feel at ease.

Kim dreamed of becoming a police officer in his youth, but set aside that dream out of a sense of responsibility for his family. Instead, his daughter Jaekyung, who grew up listening to her father's stories, chose to serve her country in uniform. Jaekyung Kim is now in her ninth year as a professional soldier, serving as a sergeant in the Military Police Battalion of the Army's 2nd Corps.

Kim always called his daughter his "other self" and was proud of her. He is said to have advised his daughter in uniform, "You must stand on the side of the weak, those without power. Not just anyone can wear a military uniform, and your actions must never bring shame to it."

In her final farewell to her father, Jaekyung Kim said, "My father was always proud of me, but to me, he was the person I was most proud of. I will live my life without shame, carrying his words and teachings in my heart. I respect and love you."

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