A Yonsei University Student Dreaming of Becoming a Doctor Passed Away After Saving Six Lives Through Organ Donation

Yonsei University Honorary Diploma Awarded to the Late Kim Dowon

An honorary diploma was awarded to a Yonsei University student who gifted new life to six people through organ donation before passing away.

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 14th that on the 12th, an honorary diploma ceremony was held at the Dean's Office of the College of Engineering at Yonsei University for the late Kim Dowon, who was a first-year student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the university.

In early April 2020, Kim suffered a severe brain injury from a fall while returning home after meeting an acquaintance. He was immediately transported to the hospital but ultimately did not regain consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state.

His family decided to donate his organs to honor Kim’s wish to save lives and to have a part of him remain with others. Kim donated his heart, lungs, liver, left and right kidneys, and pancreas, saving a total of six lives.

Kim Do-won, who saved six lives through organ donation. [Image provided by Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency]

Kim was born as the second son among two brothers and one sister in Gwangju Metropolitan City. He had a bright personality and loved to take on challenges. From a young age, he showed great interest in multicultural families and marginalized groups, and during his student years, he also engaged in educational donations to help other children in need.

While actively participating in various activities such as the orchestra and the Dokdo club, Kim devoted himself to his studies with the dream of becoming a medical professional specializing in viruses or the Secretary-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Kim’s father said, "Son, during your 14 days of battling illness, the happiest moments were the two 10-minute meetings each day. I still cannot forget the warmth of your hand you gave me then. I will live with the thought of passing on that warmth to neighbors and society, conveying your heart."

Moon Inseong, Director of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, expressed gratitude, saying, "We thank Yonsei University for awarding an honorary diploma to Kim, who saved others at the end of his life and passed away. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor and his family for practicing noble life-sharing and spreading positive influence."

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