Endured 20 Years of Dialysis... Man in His 60s Passes Away After Organ Donation

Saved a Life by Donating His Lungs
Collapsed from Cerebral Hemorrhage on His Way Home

Organ Donor Youngseok Han. Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

A man in his 60s who endured nearly 20 years of kidney dialysis with a positive outlook gave the gift of new life through brain-dead organ donation after suddenly collapsing from a cerebral hemorrhage and has passed away.

On July 11, the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced that Youngseok Han (age 69) donated his lungs at Korea University Ansan Hospital on June 10.

Han collapsed from a sudden cerebral hemorrhage on June 8 while returning home after attending a church service. The pressure on his brain was so high that even basic examinations were difficult after he arrived at the hospital. After being informed by the medical staff that he was in a brain-dead state with virtually no chance of recovery, his family ultimately chose donation after consulting with the agency.

Born as the sixth of nine siblings in Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Han was known to enjoy a wide range of arts and sports, including music, movies, and tennis. He was a loving father who would take his two sons on his motorcycle and accompany them to movie theaters and pizza restaurants. Even after nearly 20 years of kidney dialysis, he reportedly never lost his positive personality.

A friend of Han, who worked as a nurse, recalled, "Most dialysis patients struggle with depression and pain, but Han always visited the hospital with a bright face. He was truly remarkable. I have never seen anyone so positive."

Han's son said, "I suggested we travel to Jeju Island together, but we never got the chance, and that weighs heavily on my heart. I am determined to live more warmly, following my father's faith and positive spirit."