Samsung SDI Battery Producer 'Blood Donation King'... 212 Times in 20 Years "Part of Life"

Cho Hyun-soo, a professional from Samsung SDI, is holding the 'Honorary Captain' award presented by the Korean Red Cross and posing for a commemorative photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyewon] Cho Hyunsoo, a professional (38 years old) who produces batteries at Samsung SDI, recently recorded his 200th blood donation and was awarded the 'Honorary Captain' by the Korean Red Cross.

Cho has been donating blood since high school, with a cumulative total of 212 donations. Considering the average adult male's single donation volume (about 400ml), Cho's total donated blood amounts to approximately 85 liters. This is equivalent to filling 170 bottles of 500ml water, sharing precious blood with others.

"Blood donation is a privilege only for healthy people. It started by chance, but knowing that my blood helps save a life gave me an exhilarating feeling. Since then, I vowed to create a valuable lifestyle habit, and blood donation has become a part of my life."

After realizing in high school that his blood could save a life, Cho has consistently donated blood. He felt the importance of blood donation because even a one-second grimace when the needle goes in can provide precious blood to those in pain and become a hope for life to someone.

Cho emphasizes that blood donation is not only crucial for saving someone's life but also beneficial to himself. One must pass a health check to be eligible for donation.

Blood donation has transformed Cho's life into a healthier one. He starts his day by sweating for over an hour at the company fitness center. His passion for blood donation created the habit of 'health management.'

"You need to be healthy to donate blood. So, I decided to develop the habit of exercising as well. If I'm not healthy, I can't share my blood with those who truly need it. Also, I completely avoid alcohol before donating blood, which naturally reduced my drinking. Blood donation has given me the gift of health in my life."

Cho has a place he always visits before returning home for holidays: the Blood Donation Center. He made a promise to himself after hearing that blood donors significantly decrease during holidays due to travel, causing blood shortages. He schedules his blood donations at least a month in advance, adjusting his condition accordingly and ensuring that donation does not get pushed aside by other plans. By planning ahead and reserving donations, blood donation has become a part of his life.

Cho's passion for blood donation has inspired his colleagues. Team members working with him have also joined in donating blood. Team colleagues Ahn Seungho, Lee Buhwi, and Tae Chungho have already reached 100 donations and received the 'Honorary Medal.'

"I often tell my colleagues not to just sleep on their days off but to contribute to society as a habit. I tell them that if they imagine their own family member being critically ill and lacking blood, there is no reason to hesitate to donate. Working shifts can disrupt day and night cycles, making physical management difficult. However, managing health to donate blood builds stamina, which ultimately benefits the individual. Increased stamina improves work concentration, leading to better work performance."

Cho said, "Blood donation, which I started for others, has made my life healthier and more fulfilling," and urged, "I hope more people create a valuable habit through blood donation."

According to the Korean Red Cross, South Korea is a country with a blood shortage, with the donor population continuously decreasing while the number of patients with severe diseases is increasing. Some people face life-threatening situations due to lack of blood transfusions. Recently, concerns about COVID-19 have led to reduced blood donations, worsening the blood shortage situation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.