A 30-Year-Old Who Dreamed of Becoming a Social Worker Despite Disability from School Violence Gives Hope to 5 People Before Passing Away

Aspiring Social Worker Wants to Help Others
Bereaved Family Hopes They See a Brighter World in Other Lives

A man in his 30s who was diagnosed with a disability after experiencing school violence during his school years passed away after giving the gift of new life to five people through brain-dead organ donation.

Choi Seong-cheol (37), who gifted new life to five people through brain-dead organ donation and passed away. [Image source=Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

On the 25th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Mr. Choi Seong-cheol (37) donated his kidneys (left and right), liver, and eyes (left and right) through brain-dead organ donation at Gangdong Seongsim Hospital on the 2nd. Mr. Choi suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed on the evening of the 21st of last month and was transported to the hospital for treatment. However, he never regained consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state. He was about to go on a trip to Gyeongju, which he had wanted to visit. His family said, "Choi, who wanted to travel together, left for heaven," adding to the sorrow.

The family said that Mr. Choi was diagnosed with a level 2 disability due to mental illness caused by school violence during high school. Because of this, the family, who were heartbroken that he could not engage in free activities, decided to donate his organs with the hope that he would see a new and bright world through other lives.

Born as the eldest son among two boys in Seoul, Mr. Choi had a bright and lively personality and a warm heart that knew how to yield to others. He wanted to become a social worker to help those in more difficult situations than himself. Despite his illness, he had to give up many things, but through effort, he found what he could do and took care of his family. Mr. Choi’s mother, Kim Jeong-sook, said, "I hope he can do all the things he couldn’t do in life in heaven," and gave her final words, "Thank you for leaving as someone who is remembered as a person who helps others."

Byeon Ho-sun, acting director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We hope that the donor who practiced sharing life will share a bright world in another life," and added, "The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency will do its best to properly convey the warm hearts of donors and their families."