Special forces soldier in his 20s dies during martial arts promotion test; family donates organs

A special forces non-commissioned officer in his 20s collapsed during a sparring session at a martial arts promotion test and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.

According to military authorities, Staff Sergeant A collapsed around 10:50 a.m. Thursday at a gymnasium belonging to a Special Forces unit in Incheon while undergoing a "teukgong" martial arts belt promotion test.

He was transported unconscious to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment but died that day.

Military authorities and police are investigating the exact circumstances of the incident after the soldier appeared to show signs of distress during the sparring match.

The soldier's family has informed the hospital of their decision to donate his organs.

"The family, even in their grief, decided to donate his organs so that their son's death could be remembered in a more meaningful way," a military official said.