"Whoever receives the transplant, it's a good deed" - A mother's words after her son's organ donation gave new life to 7 people

Kim Bogeun, Who Donated Organs of Brain-Dead Son, Says "I Truly Feel It Was the Right Decision"

"No matter who receives the transplant, if that person can live, how wonderful that would be. It’s truly good and I think it was really well done."

These were the words of Kim Bo-geun (79) to Yonhap News on the 8th, a day before 'Organ Donation Day' (the 9th), who decided to donate the organs of her only son, Lim Ki-beom, in December 2020.

In December 2020, Kim decided to donate the organs of her only son, Lim Ki-beom. Lim collapsed at home due to a stroke and was taken to the hospital, but was eventually declared brain dead. At the age of 42, he gifted new lives to seven people before passing away.

A Past Photo of the Late Im Ki-beom, Son of Kim Bo-geun
[Photo by Yonhap News / Provided by Kim Bo-geun]

At the time, Kim was asked by the doctor if she was willing to donate her son's organs, and she reluctantly agreed. When asked why she consented to organ donation, she explained, "My mind went blank and I was at a loss, but since my young son was leaving, I thought it would be good if he could help others even a little."

Having lost her husband first and lived alone with her son for 5 to 6 years, losing her son was like losing her entire world. Although he was not very affectionate, he was a son who deeply cared for his mother inside. When she received the heartbreaking news that her son could not recover, her heart shattered, but she recalled the meaning of her son's life. Ultimately, she thought, 'If even one person can be saved, it is a good thing.'

There is no way to be free from loss or pain. She said, "Even after four years, though I have buried it in my heart, thoughts come to me when I am still," adding, "At first, I felt like my son would come out of the room or enter through the front gate, and it was maddening."

Currently, Kim is gradually healing her heart with the attention of those around her who reach out. In particular, the 'Donor Family' group for families of brain-dead organ donors and the psychological support program of the Love Organ Donation Movement Headquarters have been a great help.

Mr. Kim Bo-geun visiting the brain-dead organ donor memorial space last May
[Photo by Sarangui Janggi Gijeung Undong Bonbu]

The Organ Donation Headquarters has been operating a program since 2013 that continuously brings bereaved families together to share stories and encourage each other through the Donor Family meetings.

Kim said, "At first, I hesitated, but now it’s very good. Since everyone there has lost a child or family member and is in the same position as me, we can cry and laugh freely and talk, which warms my heart," adding, "Last year, I also received psychological counseling and definitely improved."

She continued, "I hope all the people who received my son’s organs are healthy," emphasizing, "I want to tell them not to overwork their bodies and to live long and healthy lives, because that is the best."