Deceased organ donor saves four lives

For the family of Lee Hoon, June was marked by sorrow, but also by extraordinary empathy and compassion.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency (KODA) on Monday, Lee died at a hospital in Seoul on June 27 after his organs were donated following brain death, saving the lives of four people. He was 61.

On June 15, Lee was suddenly struck by a brain hemorrhage while sleeping. He was taken to Gangnam Severance Hospital immediately. However, despite the medical staff’s best efforts, he never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead. Days later, on June 27, his family made a decision that would embody his lifelong spirit of generosity: They decided to donate his lungs, liver and both kidneys, giving new life to four patients.

During his lifetime, Lee often said, “When I leave this world, I want to do something that will help others,” according to his family. They said they wanted to honor his wish.

Born in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, as the youngest of four children, Lee worked as a manager at an accounting firm before his passing. His family said Lee had a warm personality and enjoyed being with people.

Photography was his passion. He collected cameras and he went on photography outings in his free time. On special occasions, he took photos of his family, which now remain as precious memories and gifts.

In a statement shared through the KODA, his daughter Lee Yoo-joo said, “Dad, you always shared your warm heart and love with us, and even in your final farewell, you gave others the hope of life. I’m so proud of you and will remember you forever. Please keep watching over us from heaven. I love you, Dad.”

KODA President Lee Sam-yeol expressed his gratitude, saying, “We thank donor Lee and his family for sharing the gift of life and hope at the end of his journey. We also hope that those who have been given a second chance will live with gratitude and continue to share warmth with society.”