Man Sold His Kidney To Buy An iPhone, Now Suffers From Kidney Failure

A 31-year-old man from China’s Anhui province has had to suffer the tragic consequences of wanting to own an iPhone during his teen years. 

According to reports, the man, Wang Shangkun, grew up in a poor family.

In 2011, when he was only 17, Shangkun was convinced he had to own an iPhone 4, which he saw as a status symbol.

Influenced by online posts, he made the decision to undergo an illegal surgery to sell his kidney.

He was paid 20k yuan (S$3.6k) after the surgery, and later used the money to buy an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2.

However, he was later discovered to have a bacterial infection. His health took a turn for the worse, with his remaining kidney failing as well.

Shangkun’s mother, who became suspicious of his newly-bought tech, eventually forced him to come clean about what he had done. She was heartbroken after hearing his confession.

Shangkun has been declared permanently disabled.

According to Chinese media, he has called his choice to exchange his kidney for an iPhone his “biggest regret” in life.

The syndicate behind the illegal surgeries were later uncovered by authorities. Shangkun received 1.48mil yuan (S$268k) in compensation.

It’s been 14 years since Shangkun made the decision that changed his life forever.

His kidney function has reportedly dropped to 25 per cent, and he now has to be on lifelong dialysis.

Photos: Harian Metro, Cemrecan Yurtman/ Pexels