A Man in His 60s Who Overcame IMF Bankruptcy Saves Four Lives Through Organ Donation Before Passing Away

Started Over by Running a Manpower Agency
Donated Lungs, Liver, and Both Kidneys to Save Four Lives

A man in his 60s who managed to recover after his construction company faced bankruptcy during the IMF foreign exchange crisis has saved the lives of four people through brain death organ donation before passing away.

Donor Seungje Hong (65). Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on August 20 that Seungje Hong (65) saved four lives and passed away in eternal rest by donating his lungs, liver, and both kidneys through brain death organ donation at Seoul Medical Center on July 13.

On July 2, Hong suddenly collapsed while inspecting the work site to check on the status of personnel assigned from his manpower agency. Although he was rushed to the hospital and received intensive medical treatment, he never regained consciousness and was declared brain dead.

Hong's family decided to proceed with the donation, hoping that he would leave the world doing good, as he had always lived his life helping those in need. Hong was known to have often told his family, "When I leave this world, I want to be someone who helps others. I would like to donate my assets and, if possible, my body to help those who are ill."

Hong was born in Masan, Gyeongnam, as the fourth of three sons and two daughters. After graduating with a degree in architecture, he worked at a construction company before starting his own construction business. Although he went bankrupt during the IMF crisis, he managed to recover through strong responsibility and dedication, eventually running a manpower agency.

He was physically strong enough to compete as a shot put athlete in his youth, but also had a sensitive side, often shedding tears when his son left for military service or to study abroad. He would always reach out first to help those in need and secretly donated money and goods to struggling families or orphanages at the end of the year.

Hong's son said, "The time I spent with my father feels far too short, and I still can't believe I won't see him again. I hope he finds peace in heaven, and I will strive to become a light and pillar in society by following the example of the life he showed me. Dad, I love you so much."

Lee Samyeol, president of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "I am deeply grateful for the warm-hearted love shown by donor Seungje Hong and his bereaved family in practicing the sharing of life. I believe that such miraculous acts of saving lives will help make our society healthier and brighter."