"Dear, Let's Meet Again in Heaven"... Woman in Her 70s Who Volunteered as a Hairdresser for Over 10 Years Gives New Life to Two Before Passing Away

Yongbun Kim, Who Dedicated Herself to Sharing Throughout Her Life
Cared for Neighbors After Obtaining a Caregiver's License

A woman in her 70s, who had volunteered as a hairdresser for seniors for over a decade, gave the gift of new life to two people through organ donation before passing away.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency on May 12, Yongbun Kim, aged 76, donated her liver and kidneys in a brain-dead state at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital on March 6.

Kim collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage on January 27 and was taken to the hospital, but ultimately never regained consciousness. It was reported that, during her lifetime, Kim and her husband Jihwan Oh had often talked about wanting to save the sick when they left this world. Oh explained the reason for the donation, saying, "Because a single life is more precious than the world, I followed my wife's kind wish to save as many people as possible."

According to her family, Kim was born in Seoul as the eldest daughter among six siblings, and due to her family's difficult circumstances, she set aside her studies and began working at an early age. In her mid-twenties, she married Oh and raised three children. While her husband walked the path of a pastor for 25 years after founding a new church, Kim stood by his side steadfastly and played the role of a strong supporter.

Kim consistently practiced sharing throughout her life. After learning hairdressing skills, she trimmed the hair of seniors for over 10 years, and she also obtained a caregiver's license to look after her neighbors.

Oh recalled that his happiest memory with his wife was a trip they took a few years ago at the invitation of their daughter and son-in-law living overseas. At that time, the daughter and son-in-law held a small wedding ceremony by the sea for the parents, who had not been able to have a proper wedding. Oh said that even now, his eyes well up with tears when he remembers his wife’s bright smile in the photos taken that day.

Oh gave his last words to his wife, saying, "I feel so much pain and sorrow that you had to live with financial hardship because you met an inadequate husband like me. I just want to meet you once, even if only in a dream. Let’s meet again in heaven. I love you."

Samyeol Lee, president of the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, said, "We are deeply grateful to Ms. Kim and her family, who dedicated her life to her neighbors and left a legacy of love through organ donation in her final moments. We will do our utmost to spread the culture of life-sharing so that the donor's noble wishes are not in vain."