Cyprus Times

South Korea: Sues Wife for Refusing to Donate Part of Her Liver!

Published January 4, 2026, 13:03
South Korea: Sues Wife for Refusing to Donate Part of Her Liver!

A South Korean man has sued his wife, accusing her of abandonment for refusing to donate a portion of her liver to save his life. The man was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis and doctors recommended a liver transplant. His wife was found to be a compatible donor, but she refused due to a “pathological fear of needles and sharp objects.” Her refusal sparked outrage within the family, who believed donation was the only way to save the man's life. Eventually, a brain-dead donor was found, and the man underwent a successful transplant. However, after his recovery, the man questioned his wife’s claim of phobia, discovering she had undergone surgery and blood tests in the past without issue. The wife admitted that her real fear stemmed from potential complications of the surgery and concern for the safety of their children. The man filed a lawsuit for “malicious abandonment,” but the court ruled in favor of the wife, stating that organ donation is a matter of bodily autonomy and cannot be imposed, even within a marriage. It also recognized her reasonable concern for her children. The couple ultimately divorced, with the wife retaining custody of the children and continuing to provide financial support to her ex-husband. This case highlights the ethical and legal dilemmas that arise in organ transplant situations and the importance of the donor’s free will.