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Bestselling Novelist Baek Donates Organs, Inspires Hope in Final Act
17 Oct
Summary
- Baek donated heart, lungs, liver and kidneys to save 5 lives
- Her sister said Baek wanted to "share her heart" and "inspire hope"
- Baek's bestselling book "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" sold over 1 million copies worldwide
In a poignant final gesture, acclaimed novelist Baek has donated her organs to save five lives, the Korean Organ Donation Agency announced on Friday, October 13th, 2025. Baek's sister revealed that the author had wanted to "share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope" - a sentiment reflected in Baek's bestselling 2018 book, "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki".
The runaway global hit, which has sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 25 languages, was celebrated for its nuanced exploration of mental health struggles and the author's personal conflict between depressive thoughts and simple joys. Baek's selfless organ donation, which included her heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, has now allowed her legacy to live on through the lives she has saved.
The Korean Organ Donation Agency praised Baek's "incredible act of generosity" in her final days, stating that her decision will "provide hope and a second chance at life" for the recipients. Baek's sister expressed the family's pride in honoring the author's wishes, saying that Baek's "spirit of compassion and desire to make a difference will continue to inspire people around the world."
