Principal Who Returned as Regular Teacher After Overcoming Cerebral Hemorrhage Saves 5 Lives

A man in his 50s, whose deep affection for children led him to return to teaching as a regular classroom teacher after battling a cerebral hemorrhage during his tenure as a principal, has saved five lives through organ donation.

According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) today (the 20th), Yang Sung-woo (52) donated his heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys at Jeju Halla General Hospital on the 6th of this month.

Yang also donated his skin as human tissue.


Yang collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage in 2024 and his condition improved after receiving treatment, but he was diagnosed with early-stage cerebral infarction in late April of this year.

While continuing his rehabilitation, Yang collapsed on July 31 and was rushed to the hospital, but ultimately could not return to the arms of his family.

His bereaved family decided on organ donation, remembering the deceased's lifelong desire to always have a positive impact on others.

His wife, Kang San-ju, said, "My husband is someone who would have chosen organ donation if he had been conscious," adding, "He would have been happy to know that he could pass on life to someone before leaving."

Born as the youngest of two sons and two daughters in Jeju, Yang began his teaching career at an elementary school in Seogwipo in 2000, dedicating 26 years to the classroom.

Yang was known as a teacher who truly cherished children.

He carefully looked after students from difficult family backgrounds or those who struggled to get along with peers, and even went out to search for a child who had run away from home.

His love for children remained unchanged even after falling ill.

While serving as a principal after going through an open recruitment process in 2024, Yang stepped down from the position due to a cerebral hemorrhage, but worked hard on rehabilitation with the determination to teach children again.

He subsequently returned to the classroom as a regular teacher in September of last year.

Even with physical difficulties, he received treatment after work and prepared for classes the next day.

Even after taking another medical leave in June of this year, he continued his treatment and exercise without giving up hope of returning to school.

More than 150 people, including former students, fellow teachers, and parents, attended the funeral procession of Yang, who cherished the relationships he formed.

His wife Kang delivered her final farewell, saying, "Thank you for loving and adoring me. I was truly happy to meet you, oppa. Now, in a place without pain, play your favorite football, travel as much as you want, and live with a smile. I will try to become a mother who is not ashamed before our two sons. Our two sons also love and respect their proud and affectionate father very much."


(Photo courtesy of Korea Organ Donation Agency, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.