A man in his 50s, who loved children so much that he overcame a cerebral hemorrhage suffered while serving as a principal and returned as a regular teacher, has saved five lives through organ donation.

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

Yang also shared human tissue, specifically his skin.


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 failed to return to the arms of his family.

His bereaved family decided on organ donation, remembering the deceased's life of always wanting to exert a positive influence 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 else before leaving."

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

Yang was known as a teacher who genuinely cared for children.

He closely looked after students from difficult family backgrounds or those who had trouble getting along with peers, and even went out to search for a child who ran away from home.

His love for children did not change even after falling ill.

While serving as a principal after going through an open recruitment process in 2024, Yang had to step down from the position due to a cerebral hemorrhage, but he poured his efforts into rehabilitation with the mindset of teaching children once again.

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

Even in a physically uncomfortable situation, he received treatment after work and prepared for the next day's classes.

Even after taking another leave of absence for medical treatment in June of this year, he continued his treatments and exercise without letting go of the hope that he could return to school.

More than 150 people, including students, fellow teachers, and parents, visited to mourn the deceased on the day of Yang's funeral, a man who cherished the connections he made.

His wife, Kang, delivered her final farewells, saying, "Thank you for loving and cherishing me. I was truly happy to meet you, oppa. Now, play the soccer you love in a place without pain, travel as much as you want, and live with a smile. I will try to become a mother who is not shameful to 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)