Dream of Physical Education Teacher Shattered by Drunk Hit-and-Run... Saves 5 Young Men in Their 20s and Passes Away

20s Jo Byung-hoon, Aspiring PE Teacher,
Hit-and-Run Accident While Returning Home After Part-Time Job

A man in his 20s who was hit and knocked down by a drunk driving hit-and-run vehicle while returning home after finishing his part-time job donated his organs to five people and passed away.

On the 24th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that on April 1st, at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Byunghun Jo (22) saved five lives by donating his heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys after being declared brain dead.

Jo had taken on the role of the head of the family since his father died from a brain injury caused by an accident six years ago. However, he suffered an unfortunate accident while returning home after working a part-time job to earn pocket money. His family, hoping for a miracle, decided to donate his organs after hearing from the medical staff that he would not wake up again, wishing that he would do something good since he was too young to leave this world.

Mr. Jo Byung-hoon, who gave new life to five people before passing away. [Image provided by Korea Organ Donation Agency]

Born as the eldest son among one boy and one girl in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, Jo was described as an active and warm-hearted young man who helped friends in need first. He loved sports from a young age, earned a 4th Dan black belt in Taekwondo, and won several gold medals in local Taekwondo competitions. With this, Jo nurtured a dream of becoming a physical education teacher who teaches children how to enjoy exercising. Later, after entering the Department of Sports Rehabilitation at Bucheon University, Jo actively participated in student council activities and was dedicated to his school life.

Jo’s mother, Kyunghee Lee, gave her final farewell, saying, "Byunghun, I won’t be able to see you anymore, but since part of your body lives and breathes in others, I hope you stay healthy. In heaven, don’t be in pain, forget all the hardships, and live a new life. I miss you. I love you."