'Mu-do' Bandoneon Player Ko Sang-ji "Diagnosed with Leukemia at 20"... Life Regained Through Bone Marrow Transplant

*This content was translated by AI.

Famous bandoneon player Ko Sang-ji (43) revealed her past battle with leukemia and expressed sorrow over the shortage of hematopoietic stem cell donors.

On the 27th, Ko posted a lengthy message on her Instagram, stating, "I received a bone marrow transplant (hematopoietic stem cell transplant) in the winter of 2002 and was able to live a new life." She explained, "I was diagnosed with leukemia at age 20, received treatment at Yeouido Catholic Hospital, and underwent a bone marrow transplant thanks to my older brother's donation."

Regarding the reason for writing the post, Ko said, "Someone very close to me needs a bone marrow transplant. Although we found several matches through the hematopoietic stem cell bank, all of them stated they have no intention of donating." She added, "I am writing this because this situation is so heartbreaking. Not only for them, but also for those currently experiencing despair for the same reason, I am writing this to offer courage."

Ko explained that bone marrow transplant is a primary treatment method for blood cancers like leukemia.

She stated, "Typically, the probability of a match between siblings is the highest. However, if that is not the case, the hematopoietic stem cell bank checks whether a stranger with a matching bone marrow is registered. To become a bone marrow donor, one must first register as a 'Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donor Volunteer.' If the donor's genotype matches that of a patient in need, they are contacted immediately. We then ask if they are willing to donate, but sadly, many people who have registered as 'Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donor Volunteers' still refuse the transplant."

She continued, "There may be personal circumstances, but the frequency is not low, and hearing such cases is truly heartbreaking." She shared, "In my case, I was lucky enough to have a match with my sibling, so I did not need to look for a stranger through the hematopoietic stem cell bank. However, even then, I met too many patients who could not find a matching stranger, or who found a match but could not receive appropriate treatment because the match refused to donate, ultimately passing away."

She also said, "Even if someone promises to donate, they may suddenly change their minds and refuse just before the transplant. In that case, the patient has no choice but to die." She added, "When asking whether to proceed with the transplant after confirming a match exists, it is said that not only the donor but also those around them often dissuade them. There may be various reasons and situations, but please think about it again. Save a life and create countless miracles through that life."

Ko announced that she was declared cured of leukemia in 2008. She explained, "My older brother, who donated his bone marrow, took 3 to 5 days off work for the transplant. After the procedure, his condition was better than expected, and he went snowboarding during the remaining vacation period. Of course, this is a situation that occurs when the donor has strong physical stamina." She added, "My brother is living very well now, and his son is also very healthy."

She further stated, "As you can see, I am handling an extreme schedule with strong physical stamina. Back in 2002 when I was undergoing treatment, the history of bone marrow transplants was still short, so there was no information on whether one could survive or, if so, whether they could return to social life. Yet, I am living well now. I urge more people to become hematopoietic stem cell donor volunteers and to accept the news of a match as a joyful event, becoming heroes who can save a life."

Meanwhile, Ko Sang-ji is recognized as Korea's top bandoneon player. After practicing on her own, she studied under world-renowned bandoneon player Komatsu Ryota in 2006 and later pursued further studies in Argentina in 2009. Since then, she has built her reputation by participating in performances by top-tier singers such as Kim Dong-ryul, Yoon Sang, and Lee Juck.

Notably, she gained public recognition in 2011 by appearing on MBC's variety program 'Infinite Challenge' for the 'West Coast Expressway Music Festival.' She drew attention for performing the bandoneon on the stage of 'Pure Love Macho,' a song performed by Jung Hyung-don and Jung Jae-hyung.

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*This content was translated by AI.