Kim Seong-min declared brain-dead

Actor Kim Seong-min, who was found unconscious after a suicide attempt following a fight with his wife early Friday, was declared brain-dead on Sunday.

The Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital’s medical team in charge of Kim’s case pronounced him brain-dead around 8:45 a.m., the hospital said in a press conference Sunday afternoon.

Kim had said before that he would kill himself when under the influence of alcohol, local media reported, quoting his wife.

Surgery was scheduled for 6 p.m. to remove organs for transplant. Five patients will receive Kim’s organs, including his kidney, liver, intestines and corneas, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital said at the press conference held at the request of the late Kim’s family.

Kim’s wife and son had agreed to the actor’s organ donation, in light of Kim having spoken of his wish to donate his organs upon death.

Once the approximately five-hour operation is completed, Kim will be declared dead following the removal of respiratory equipment. The wake will be at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and a funeral will be held on June 28.

Kim, 42, debuted in 1995 as a stage actor and enjoyed a successful career as a television actor before being twice convicted of substance abuse. In December 2010, Kim was indicted on charges of methamphetamine and marijuana use, as well as smuggling methamphetamine, and was given a four-year suspended sentence. He returned to screens in 2012, but was found guilty of substance abuse again in March 2015. He was released from prison in January after serving a 10-month sentence.

By Jung Eun-jin (jej2403@heraldcorp.com)