In an act of profound generosity that has touched hearts across the nation, the late theater actor Ju SeonOk has left behind a legacy far beyond the stage, through the gift of life. At 38, Ju's sudden demise following a brain hemorrhage during a theater rehearsal has resulted in the survival of three individuals, thanks to her decision to donate her organs.
The Korea Organ Donation Agency confirmed on April 18 that Ju, who had been in a brain-dead state since April 10 following her collapse, facilitated the transplantation of her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys to two recipients at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul. This tragic event unfolded rapidly, with Ju succumbing to a brain hemorrhage diagnosed shortly after her emergency hospitalization on April 4. Within five days, she was declared brain-dead.
Ju's family, honoring her longstanding positive stance on organ donation and her commitment to doing good deeds, consented to the organ donation. Her heart and lungs were transplanted to a male patient, while her liver and kidneys were given to a female patient. Plans are also in place for corneal transplantation.
Ju SeonOk's career on the stage was marked by her roles in plays such as "Hakana," "Wolves Grow Eyes First," "Shout the Truth Against Power," and "Yuchippangjjak." Her death coincided poignantly with the debut of "Calling You," a performance commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Sewol ferry tragedy, which she directed. This alignment of her artistic and personal legacies underscores the profound impact of her final act of kindness.
The story of Ju SeonOk’s life and her ultimate sacrifice is a stirring reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of others. As the theater community and the nation remember her, the conversation around the importance of organ donation is likely to gain renewed attention, making Ju's final act one that continues to inspire and save lives even in her absence. Her story invites us to reflect on the legacy we wish to leave behind and the power of selfless acts to change the world, one life at a time.
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