South Korean man repatriated after year-long recovery from 80-day coma in Vietnam

In May 2024, Y.S. was found unconscious and unresponsive in his apartment, with only shallow breaths and a fading pulse, after missing work for two days.

He was rushed to FV Hospital in a deep coma, where an MRI revealed extensive brain hemorrhaging requiring urgent surgery.

With no family present, no financial guarantor, and no confirmed identity, doctors faced a critical decision.

Slim odds, unwavering effort

Dr. Vu Truong Son, FV Hospital's medical director, recalled asking the attending doctor one question: "If we operate, what are the chances?"

The answer – a slim hope of survival – was enough for the team to proceed, according to the hospital.

"At FV, human life always comes first," Dr. Son said.

Despite lacking routine procedural approvals, the hospital decided to operate, choosing to prioritize saving a life.

After emergency surgery, Y.S. remained in a deep coma.

FV's medical team worked diligently to locate his family and eventually succeeded.

But upon learning of his son's condition, Y.S.'s elderly father lost hope.

Still, the hospital staff pressed on, holding to the belief that as long as a patient is breathing, there is hope.

During the coma, Y.S.'s condition was unstable, marked by recurring high fevers due to severe infections and a life-threatening pneumothorax.

His care required a multidisciplinary approach involving intensive care, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, rehabilitation, and infectious disease specialists.

After 80 days, Y.S. regained consciousness. He began showing signs of neurological recovery – becoming responsive and able to understand English, Korean, and even Vietnamese.

Gradually, he regained limited motor control: lifting his right hand, squeezing fingers, and communicating through eye contact and gestures, though still physically weak.

His progress was made possible in large part thanks to the hospital's dedicated nursing team, who provided round-the-clock care under strict, complex protocols.

Road to repatriation

Beyond medical care, the hospital worked closely with the South Korean Consulate General to arrange Y.S.'s repatriation, recognizing that true recovery could only begin upon reunion with his loved ones.

The process was not easy. Having lived in Vietnam for 13 years, Y.S. no longer held active health insurance in South Korea, leading to initial reluctance from Korean hospitals to accept him.

Despite this, FV Hospital continued to deliver comprehensive care, including medication, nutrition, and therapy, all up to international standards.

After persistent efforts, the Consulate General secured a hospital in South Korea willing to receive him.

Upon learning he would finally return home after a year in care, Y.S. was visibly emotional.

On the eve of his departure, he gestured to a nurse for a pen and tissue, and with trembling hands, wrote down his email and phone number to give to the staff.

The simple gesture moved the team to tears.

"He likely wanted to say thank you, to keep in touch, and perhaps return one day to express his gratitude to the doctors and nurses who never gave up on him," said Chu Thi Nguyet Anh, head nurse of the hospital's Medical West Ward.

Testament to humanity, friendship

On May 12, 2025, after working closely with the hospital to coordinate the repatriation, a representative from the South Korean Consulate General visited FV to personally thank the medical team.

Deputy Consul General Kwon Tae Han expressed heartfelt appreciation for the hospital's humanitarian efforts and unwavering commitment to care.

"Despite Y.S.'s critical condition and multiple complications, the FV team never gave up. They remained dedicated to his treatment and ultimately saved his life," Kwon said.

He noted that the hospital had prioritized human life above all else.

"This embodies the highest values and sacred mission of the medical profession, for which we are truly grateful," Kwon said.

The diplomat added that the story not only underscores FV's compassionate care but also helps strengthen friendship and foster deeper cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea.