30-Year-Old Samsung Semiconductor Employee Collapses During Exercise... Gives New Life to 4 People Before Passing Away

Mr. Shin Woo-ho Donates Organs of Four Brain-Dead Patients
Mother Also Passed Away During Military Service 10 Years Ago
Mr. Shin's Father: "Hope They Are Happy Together in Heaven"

A 30-year-old man who lost consciousness and collapsed during exercise, falling into a brain-dead state, gave new life to four people through organ donation before passing away.

On the 13th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that on the 13th of last month, Shin Woo-ho (30) donated his heart, liver, and both kidneys to four recipients through brain-dead organ donation at Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital.

Mr. Shin lost consciousness and collapsed while exercising on September 8. He was then transported to the hospital and received treatment for over a month but did not regain consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state.

Mr. Shin Woo-ho (30), who donated organs after brain death to four people [Photo by Korea Organ Donation Agency, Yonhap News]

Shin’s family thought about who would remember him if he passed away like this. After much consideration, they decided on organ donation, hoping that even if Shin left this world, someone would remember him and that his final act would become a good deed that saves others.

Shin, who worked in the Samsung Semiconductor development team, was known to be quiet, introverted, and diligent in his work, and enjoyed music and traveling on weekends as a wholesome young man. As an only son, it was known that Shin had lost his mother to cancer during her military service 10 years ago, adding to the sorrow.

Shin’s father, Shin Soon-woo, said, "I have always felt sorry that my son had a difficult military life after my wife passed away from cancer, but I cannot believe my son is leaving us first like this," and added, "I hope he is happy with his mother in heaven." He gave his final farewell to Shin, saying, "My beloved son Woo-ho, become a star in the night sky, shine on me and brighten the world so that happiness can be shared. I will remember you as a star that shines brightly forever. I love you."

Moon In-sung, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We express our gratitude to donor Shin Woo-ho and his family for practicing life-sharing," and added, "On behalf of those who have been given a new life through organ donation, we thank all donors and their families."