"Three in Their 50s Who Gave New Life to Others After Showing Usual Interest in Organ Donation News"

Bereaved Families "Hope This Report Leads to More Activation"

A man in his 50s who had always said he wanted to donate organs someday to save someone after watching news about organ donation shared new life with three people before passing away.

Mr. Lee Gwan-chun (56), who donated his lungs and both kidneys through brain-dead organ donation, giving new life to three people before passing away.
[Photo by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

On the 22nd, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that on the 1st, Lee Gwan-chun (56) donated his lungs and both kidneys through brain-dead organ donation at Gangneung Asan Hospital.

Lee suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed on June 26th and was transported to the hospital, but fell into a brain-dead state.

His family remembered Lee’s wish, who had said he wanted to donate organs if he could save someone after watching news about organ donation, and agreed to the donation.

The family also expressed hope that many people would become interested in organ donation and that this would help promote donation through the news about Lee’s organ donation.

Mr. Lee Gwan-chun (56), who donated his lungs and both kidneys through brain-dead organ donation, giving new life to three people before passing away.
[Photo by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

Born as the fourth child among three sons and two daughters in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Lee was quiet and kind, and caring to everyone. Especially, he was affectionate, always thinking of others first, and diligent, always stepping forward to help others.

Lee’s wife, Shin Yang-sook, said, "He always thought of others first, and I feel sorry that he never got to do what he wanted," adding, "I hope you do everything you want in heaven."

Lee’s son, Lee Hee-jun, said, "I am sorry that as a taciturn son, I never told my father I loved him," and added, "In the next life, I want to express my affection more and say 'I love you' often."

Moon In-sung, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We once again thank the donor and the bereaved family for their warm hearts in saving other lives through sharing life," and added, "We will do our best to widely spread hope for new life to more sick people through promoting donation according to the donor’s will."