"Sharing Life and Becoming Stars in the Sky" ... 20s Brain-Dead Donor Gifts Organs and Tissues to Over 100 People

29-year-old Lee Jinju Suddenly Collapses and Becomes Brain Dead... Passes Away After Organ Donation
Father: "I Decided Hoping My Hardworking Daughter Finds Happiness in Heaven"

Mr. Jinju Lee, who passed away after donating human tissue. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Intern Lee Gyehwa] A woman in her 20s who suddenly fell into a brain-dead state donated life to over 100 people before passing away.

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 27th that Lee Jinju (29) donated human tissues to more than 100 patients at Catholic University St. Vincent's Hospital on the 15th and then passed away.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, Lee suddenly collapsed while having a meal with acquaintances on September 13th and was transported to the hospital by a 119 ambulance but was presumed brain dead. Her family, who struggled with the sudden tragic news, decided to donate, saying, "She was a child who liked helping those in need, so we believe she would be happy in heaven knowing her final journey became a hope for someone."

Born as the eldest daughter in a family with one son and one daughter in Gangneung, Lee was described by her family as calm and introverted but with a warm heart that reached out first to help those in difficulty around her.

Lee’s father, Lee Yunsik, said, "After my wife left when Jinju and my son were 6 and 3 years old, I raised the children alone, so I tear up just thinking about my daughter," adding, "Because my job required me to be out often, I regret not being able to take better care of the kids." He continued, "Since Jinju was 10, she cooked meals with her younger sibling. I am truly grateful and sorry that the children grew up so well on their own."

Lee’s family, after being told by medical staff that recovery was unlikely and to prepare their hearts, said, "Seeing her condition gradually worsen, we could not let Jinju go like this," and "We hoped her final journey would become a hope for someone and that she would be remembered as a person who shared warm love."

Moon Inseong, director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank the family and donor Lee Jinju for deciding to donate to help other patients at the end of her life," and added, "We will do our best to ensure that this noble decision to share life is beautifully remembered."

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