A man in his 60s who collapsed at work has given the gift of new life to two people through brain-dead organ donation before passing away.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency on the 24th, Lee Won-hee (66) donated both his left and right kidneys at Wonkwang University Hospital on November 7 last year, saving two precious lives.
Lee was found collapsed by a colleague while working on October 20 last year. He was transported to the hospital but never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead.
Lee had registered as an organ donor while alive. He had often told his family that he wanted to donate his organs to save other lives in his final moments. The bereaved family decided to proceed with the donation, hoping that he could do a good deed by saving others' lives, as he had always been a warm person who helped those around him.
Born as the third of five children (three sons and two daughters) in Cheonan City, Lee was known for his bright and outgoing personality. He majored in food and nutrition science in college, ran a construction materials company for over 20 years, and was a devout Christian who attended early morning prayers every day.
His family remembered him as a cheerful person who always brought joy to those around him, and a caring husband who would pick flowers from the garden to give to his wife.
Lee's daughter, Lee Na-eun, delivered her final farewell: "Dad, thank you so much for everything you've done for us. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you I love you more often. We'll be doing well, so please rest peacefully in heaven. Let's definitely meet again."
Lee Sam-yeol, President of the Korea Organ Donation Agency, said, "We will do our best to support donors who worked to help others and their bereaved families in any way we can."
