Dancer and Theater Artist Who Wished to "Live in Harmony with Nature" Saves Five Lives Through Organ Donation and Passes Away

Organ and Tissue Donation After Collapsing from Cerebral Hemorrhage

A man in his 60s, known as both a dancer and a theater artist, who had once declared his wish to "live in harmony with nature" and registered as an organ donor, passed away after donating his organs while in a brain-dead state, saving the lives of five people.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency on October 15, Hyunduk Park (age 60) donated his heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys to five individuals after being declared brain-dead this past August. In addition, he donated human tissues such as bones, cartilage, fascia, and skin, benefiting over 100 patients.

Mr. Hyunduk Park, who saved lives through brain death organ donation. Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency

According to the agency, Park lost consciousness and collapsed due to a cerebral hemorrhage while taking a swimming lesson. He was transported to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery, but ultimately did not regain consciousness and was declared brain-dead. Park had registered as an organ donor through the agency in 2002, and his family agreed to honor his wishes by consenting to the donation.

His family remembers him as a warm person with a positive and bright personality who pursued his passions with enthusiasm and cared deeply for those around him. Born as the youngest of two sons and two daughters in Sangju-myeon, Namhae County, Gyeongnam Province, Park participated in the Dong-A University folk performance troupe. After graduating from university, he performed with the theater company "Jagalchi," engaging in acting, mask dance, and traditional outdoor performances. Later, he left the troupe and worked as a guest actor and arts instructor.

In recent years, he was dedicated to local civic organizations, environmental conservation, and the preservation of folk arts such as mask dance, as well as organizing performances that included both people with and without disabilities. According to his family, he donated blood more than 40 times over the past decade and, on his days off, farmed and shared food with neighbors in need.

His wife, Kim Hyera, offered her final farewell to him, saying, "You were passionate and free-spirited, and you lived a life of service. Now you have become a star in the sky. I remember you shining so brightly on stage. Performing made you feel truly alive, and now you have given new life to five people and shared hope with over 100 others. You left this world just as you wished, living in harmony with nature. I love you, and thank you."