After donating part of his liver, Kim Hyung-shin trained through UAE trips and half-marathons to complete Chuncheon Marathon for his mother

This year's Chuncheon Marathon holds special significance for Kim Hyung-shin, 36 years old. After donating part of his liver to his mother, who suffered from polycystic kidney disease (a condition where cysts form in the kidneys and other organs), two years ago, he began running to aid her recovery. He grew so fond of the sport that he completed his first full course (42.195 km) at the Chuncheon Marathon on the 26th. "I started running because of my mother and ended up running a full course," Kim said. "I want to give her the finisher's medal."

Kim, who works at Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, was on a business trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2023 when he received shocking news. Family members in South Korea contacted him with the message, "Mom might need a liver transplant." His mother, 67 years old, had been diagnosed with the genetic disorder, and her symptoms -- including severe abdominal swelling -- had worsened to the point where daily life became difficult. She required a liver transplant. Kim immediately returned to South Korea to prepare for the procedure. "Honestly, there was no hesitation," he said. "Family and friends were worried, but as a healthy man with nothing to lose, I knew I had to do it for my mother. Seeing her abdomen return to normal after surgery was a huge relief."

The liver transplant was a major surgery lasting about seven hours, and Kim experienced significant aftereffects, including needing separate breathing exercises in the ward. "When I returned to the UAE and started running to recover, I realized I was far slower than my peers," he said. "I used to enjoy CrossFit and was confident in my stamina, so it was a personal shock. I began running 5 km every morning to regain my strength." After returning to South Korea, he ran over 10 km whenever possible near Gyeongju's Bomun Lake, near his home, and often participated in half-course (21.0975 km) events.

This time, Kim was in Prague, Czech Republic, on a business trip when he flew back the day before the marathon to attempt his first full course. "I'm still adjusting to the time difference, but running through Chuncheon's autumn foliage path was incredibly rewarding -- it felt like becoming a 'legend of autumn,'" he said. "From today, I plan to run a full course at least twice a year. I'll give this first finisher's medal to my mother, who led me to running."

Liver Donor Son Races First Marathon for Mother's Recovery