The couple, both in their early 30s, had been married for three years and were raising two daughters, one aged two and the other one month old.
In late 2024, the husband was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare chronic liver disease. Doctors warned that without a liver transplant, he would only have one year to live.
To save their son, his parents sold their home to cover treatment costs, while his wife remained by his side, providing diligent care.
Tests revealed that the patient's wife was an ideal donor, as her human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility exceeded 95%.
However, when her husband proposed the transplant surgery, she refused. She informed doctors and her in-laws that she suffered from a phobia of needles and sharp objects, claiming she could not endure the procedure.
The wife's refusal caused family tension. Her husband felt betrayed, mocking her previous care efforts, saying: "Why bother taking care of me? You just want to see me die. Go ahead and kill me."
His parents also pressured her, asking: "Do you want to watch your husband die?"
Fortunately, a brain-dead liver donor was found in time. The husband underwent a successful liver transplant.
After his recovery, he began investigating his wife's claims. He discovered she had previously undergone an appendectomy and had blood tests without complications.
When questioned, the wife admitted her "phobia" was merely an excuse. She explained her true reasons were fear of surgical risks and concern that if something happened to her, their two young daughters would lose their mother.
Enraged, believing he had been deceived and abandoned in his time of need, the husband filed for divorce, accusing his wife of "malicious abandonment" and failing in her spousal duties.
However, the court ruled in the wife's favor, asserting that organ donation is a matter of individual bodily autonomy and cannot be coerced, even between spouses. The ruling emphasized that the husband's coercion and verbal abuse eroded trust in their marriage, holding him primarily responsible for the breakdown of the relationship.
The court also found that the wife's refusal stemmed from a legitimate concern for her children's well-being.
Ultimately, the couple agreed to divorce. The wife was granted custody of their children and would continue to provide financial support for her husband's medical treatment.
The story, reported by Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), sparked widespread discussion on social media. One person questioned: "Why should she donate an organ? Does marriage give a husband the right to demand his wife's organs at will?" Another raised concerns about whether the hospital's notification to the husband that his wife was a suitable donor followed proper procedure.
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