On January 9, Eom Tae Woong (17 years old) fell unconscious at his mother’s restaurant in Pohang, a port city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. After being rushed to Ulsan University Hospital for emergency care, Tae Woong’s health deteriorated rapidly and he was declared brain-dead.
Tae Woong’s family shared that the incident was completely unexpected. In their grief, they decided to donate his organs to fulfill his unfulfilled dreams. Tae Woong had always dreamed of becoming a healthcare professional and saving many lives.
Eom Tae Woong saved 5 people through organ donation
Tae Woong’s mother believes that donating his organs is the most meaningful way for him to achieve his dreams. She mentioned that Tae Woong had expressed his desire to be an organ donor after watching news stories on the topic. This became his final wish.
Tae Woong’s father, Mr. Eom Jung Yong, emotionally stated: “Rest peacefully in heaven, my son, and fulfill all your wishes. You have given love to many, and many will remember you. I love you and miss you deeply.”
The family donated Tae Woong’s heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, saving five lives. Additionally, tissues such as cartilage, tendons, ligaments, skin, corneas, and blood vessels brought hope to over 100 other patients.
As the second youngest in a family of five siblings, Tae Woong was described as a bright young man who loved spending time with friends and was passionate about sports, particularly basketball and rugby. He had enrolled in a private school specializing in healthcare with the goal of becoming a nurse. Tae Woong planned to go to Australia after graduation to further his education and gain experience in the medical field.
Lee Sam Youl, Director of the Korea Organ Donor Association (KODA), expressed deep gratitude for Tae Woong’s and his family’s noble act. He said: “We want to express our gratitude to the donor and his family. We will continue to work hard to serve as a bridge between donors and recipients, saving more lives.”
Tae Woong’s act of organ donation not only gave life to many but also became a source of inspiration for love and great sacrifice.
