Mar 9 โ€ข 21:02 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Singer Yoo Yeol, who received a lung transplant, appointed as an ambassador for organ donation

Yoo Yeol, a singer who received a lung transplant from a brain-dead donor, has been appointed as a joint ambassador for life sharing and continues to advocate for organ donation awareness.

Yoo Yeol, a South Korean singer, gained renewed health and hope after receiving a lung transplant from a brain-dead donor in July 2024. Following his battle with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic and often terminal disease, he expressed deep gratitude towards the donor and their family. His appointment as 'Joint Ambassador for Life Sharing' by the National Organ and Tissue Management Center and the Korea Organ Donation Agency underscores the importance of organ donation and the life-saving potential it holds for patients in need.

Having faced severe health challenges including significant weight loss and a critical condition, Yoo Yeol's recovery journey serves as a testament to the effectiveness of organ transplants. Now almost two years post-transplant, he has embraced his new role in promoting organ donation, stating that he aims to raise awareness about its significance, as he feels grateful for the second chance at life granted to him through the act of donation. His emotional appeals on various media platforms further highlight the cultural need to improve the organ donation awareness in South Korea.

On shows like KBS's 'Immortal Songs 2', he shared the miraculous nature of his recovery and reflected on the support he received from the community. Yoo Yeol recognizes the ongoing need for advocacy, noting that organ donation culture in South Korea still has considerable room for growth, as many lives could be saved if more people considered becoming donors. He hopes to engage the public in understanding that organ donation is one of the noblest gifts one can give, and aims to foster a more robust culture of giving through his experiences and public outreach.

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