Hairdresser who volunteered for the homeless for a decade gives life to four through organ donation

A hairdresser who spent more than a decade volunteering for homeless people and elderly individuals living alone has died, donating her organs to give four people a second chance at life.

According to the Korea Organ and Tissue Agency on Thursday, Lee Geum-mi, 55, donated her heart, lungs, liver and kidneys at Catholic University of Korea Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital on July 21.

Lee was found unconscious at her home on July 12 after losing consciousness due to respiratory distress and was rushed to the hospital. She never regained consciousness and was declared brain-dead.

About five years ago, Lee sought medical attention for persistent headaches and dizziness and was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy, a degenerative disease in which multiple functions of the brain and nervous system progressively deteriorate.

Lee had expressed her wish to donate her organs to her family on multiple occasions. Honoring the wishes of a woman who had consistently put others first, her family agreed to proceed with the donation.

"My sister and I talked about what good we could still do for others at the end of our lives, and we agreed to donate our organs," her older sister said.

The youngest of three siblings — one brother and two sisters — Lee worked as a hairdresser for about 30 years starting in her early twenties. She ran her own salon while pursuing graduate studies, driven by a passion for learning.

Lee was equally eager to share her skills with those in need. For about 10 years, she and a group of friends regularly visited homeless people and elderly individuals living alone to offer free haircuts. She also consistently took part in charitable giving to help those in difficult circumstances.

Known for her outgoing personality, she loved meeting and talking with people. On her days off, she led an active life, enjoying golf and hiking.

Having extended a helping hand to others throughout her life, Lee gave four people a new lease on life in her final moments through her organ donation.

"On the day we finished the funeral, I saw a large rainbow in the sky and thought to myself that you had gone peacefully," her older sister said in a final farewell. "I hope you are not in pain there, and that you are loved by many and living well."