“Dad, work a little less in heaven”… ‘Volunteer Hero’ who saved 3 lives even on the way to departure

During Flood Recovery Volunteer Work
60s Man in Brain Death After Excavator Overturns
Saved 3 Lives Through Organ Donation, Passed Away
Daughter: "Work a Little Less in Heaven. We Will Meet Again"

Three lives saved through brain-dead organ donation by the late Kang Seok-jin. Provided by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency.

"Dad. Please work just a little and live happily in heaven. Let's definitely meet again next time."

A man in his 60s who collapsed and fell into a brain-dead state while volunteering for flood recovery saved three lives through organ donation and passed away to heaven. On the 26th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Mr. Kang Seok-jin (67) donated his liver and kidneys (left and right) through brain-dead organ donation at Eulji University Hospital on the 20th of last month, saving three lives.

Mr. Kang lost consciousness and collapsed when the excavator he was operating at a flood recovery volunteer site overturned due to soil erosion on the 2nd of last month. He was urgently transported to the hospital for treatment but did not regain consciousness and became brain dead. His family said that since Mr. Kang always lived a life helping others, they decided on organ donation. It is said that Mr. Kang was very positive about organ donation even in daily life.

Three lives saved through brain-dead organ donation by the late Kang Seok-jin. Provided by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

Born as the sixth of seven siblings in Naju, Jeollanam-do, Mr. Kang was energetic and enjoyed spending time with people. He especially liked exercising and enjoyed running marathons from his 40s to maintain his health. He worked in construction when he was young but started farming after moving to Gongju, Chungnam, ten years ago. Even during his farming life, he was always a role model to those around him. According to those nearby, he voluntarily helped neighbors in need and supported the elders in the village who needed assistance.

Lee Sam-yeol, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We thank donor Kang Seok-jin and his bereaved family for gifting three new lives through life sharing. Life sharing is an act of love and saving lives. The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency will strive to save even one more life."

The daughter who lost her "volunteer hero" father left a final letter with tears. "Dad, it’s so upsetting that you left so suddenly, but I think it’s so cool and proud that because of you, others can live happy lives again. We will all be fine, so don’t worry too much and work just a little and live happily in heaven. Let’s definitely meet again next time. I love you, Dad."