22-Year-Old Prospect Who Saved 7 Lives and Left, Dreaming of Becoming the 'Second Son Heung-min' and Studying Soccer Abroad

Active at Incheon United and others
"I hope anyone remembers me"

A 20-year-old soccer prospect who dreamed of playing on the European football stage was hit by a drunk driver, fell into a brain-dead state, and later gave the gift of new life to seven people through organ donation, a fact that was revealed belatedly.

Jinho Seung (22), who gave new life to seven people through brain-dead organ donation. [Image source=Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

On the 13th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Jin Hoseung (22) donated his heart, left and right lungs, left and right kidneys, left and right eyeballs, liver, and pancreas to seven people through brain-dead organ donation at Ajou University Hospital on September 24, 2022. Jin was struck and collapsed by a drunk driver while riding an electric scooter home after meeting a friend on September 20 of that year. Although he was immediately transported to the hospital and received active treatment from medical staff, Jin ultimately did not regain consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state.

His family found it difficult to accept the reality that the traces of their son, who was full of dreams and youth, gradually disappeared as time passed after the sudden accident that took him away. They gathered the courage to inform the media after two years, hoping that everyone would remember that there was someone who lived such a life and left behind seven lives saved by donating organs from his healthy, athletic body.

Born as the youngest of one son and one daughter in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Jin was known for his bright and positive personality and was very affectionate, always approaching those in need first. From a young age, he dreamed of becoming the "second Son Heung-min" and played soccer for over ten years. In high school, he played for the Incheon United youth team, and after graduation, he studied in Germany for about a year to learn European football.

His mother, Kim Bomin, said, "Hoseung, you came to me in my dream. I was crying and scolding you, saying, 'Where have you been, you rascal?' while touching your face and crying. Then you hugged me tightly and said, 'I’m doing well. Mom, take care of yourself.' Don’t worry because I’m doing well. Be healthy and happy in heaven." She added, "Thank you so much for being my son. I love you."

Lee Samyeol, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "Through the practice of sharing life that saves the sick at the end of life, seven lives were given the gift of new life. We are grateful for the warm love of the donor and the donor’s family, and the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency will do its best to promote life sharing."