'Brain Death from Traffic Accident' 30-Year-Old Radiologic Technologist Donates Organs to 6 at Workplace Hospital

Fell into Brain Death After a Morning Traffic Accident on His Way Home from Work
A 30-Year-Old Radiologic Technologist Gave New Life to Six People

Photo of donor Jo Seok-won (right) taken with his twin brother and sister during his lifetime. Provided by the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

A 30-year-old radiologic technologist who was involved in a traffic accident on his way to work in the morning gave new life to six people at the hospital where he had worked and became a star in the sky.

On the 6th, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that on December 20th last year, Mr. Jo Seok-won donated his heart, liver (split), lungs, and both kidneys through brain death organ donation at Wonkwang University Hospital.

Mr. Jo, who worked as a radiologic technologist at this hospital, was hit by a car and taken to the hospital while walking after finishing work on December 13th last year. The day Mr. Jo had the traffic accident was the day before the birthday of his sister, Jo Eun-bin. His sister had hoped that her brother would wake up like a gift on her birthday, but on the day of her birthday, she received the news that Mr. Jo had fallen into a brain-dead state and would never wake up again.

Born as the second of fraternal twins among one son and two daughters in Gunsan, Jeonbuk, Mr. Jo wanted to become a professional gamer in his childhood but later changed his career path to become a radiologic technologist. He was a diligent young man who took responsibility for his own life by working part-time jobs from a young age and prepared for his future.

Jo Seok-won, who gave the gift of new life to six people through brain-dead organ donation. Photo by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

His sister Eun-bin said, “Seok-won, I wish you had stayed longer to enjoy life more and have fun, but you grew up too early and only suffered, so it’s heartbreaking. You did good until the very last moment, so smile that cool smile in heaven and live happily. I love you so much and miss you.”

Mr. Jo’s colleague Park Kwang-ho said, “Seok-won, who always had a lot of laughter and cared for those around him first, we will think that you are not gone but have just gone on a long journey. Someday, when we miss you, come back and let’s talk about what we couldn’t before and laugh again. Don’t be in pain where you are now and be happy. Thank you so much and I love you.”