▲ Organ donor Choi Jung-sub
A man in his 40s who supported his family, including his mother and younger sister, by working over 14 hours a day as a delivery worker has passed away after giving four people a new lease on life.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) on September 8, Choi Jung-sub, 46, donated his heart, liver, and both kidneys at Korea University Guro Hospital on July 24.
On the night of July 17, while making a delivery amid heavy rain, he was severely injured in a traffic accident. Although he was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery, he was ultimately pronounced brain-dead.
Choi previously worked in electrical construction, but due to a sluggish economy, he had been making a living as a delivery worker for about a year.
Born in Seoul as the eldest of a son and a daughter, Choi had acted as the head of his household since his early twenties after his father passed away following a long battle with illness.
With both his mother and younger sister in poor health and frequently in and out of the hospital, Choi lovingly cared for them, always living a life that put his family first.
After starting his delivery work, Choi worked more than 14 hours a day.
Although he usually enjoyed hiking and walking on nature trails, he rarely had the luxury of enjoying his hobbies.
Having worked tirelessly since his early twenties, the inability to travel together or spend leisurely time with him remains a deep regret for his family.
Kang Il-gyu, Choi's brother-in-law, recalled, "He was always a diligent and responsible person to his family, relatives, and acquaintances. Knowing his character, I relied on him a lot."
In his final farewell to Choi, Kang said, "I hope you don't have to work in heaven and can rest comfortably. I only feel gratitude and remorse. I will take good care of my wife, your sister. Please be happy up there and watch over us."
(Photo: Provided by Yonhap News / Korea Organ Donation Agency)
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