Top Student Who Dreamed of Becoming a Professor Suddenly Brain Dead... Left After Saving 5 Lives

Ye-won Lee, Who Dreamed of Studying Astronomy and Becoming a Professor
Sudden Brain Death... Leaves After Organ Donation

A 15-year-old girl who dreamed of becoming a university professor suddenly fell into a brain-dead state and gifted new lives to five people before ascending to heaven.

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency announced on the 27th that Lee Yewon (15) donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys at Bundang CHA Hospital on May 11 last year. On April 26 of the same year, Lee suddenly complained of a headache before dinner at home and collapsed, then was transported to the hospital. However, she never regained consciousness and fell into a brain-dead state.

One week after Lee underwent brain hemorrhage surgery, her family was told by medical staff that her heart could stop soon. Believing that Lee, who always liked to consider and help others, would have chosen organ donation, the family decided to proceed with the donation, hoping she would leave behind a meaningful legacy in the world.

The late Lee Ye-won’s appearance during her lifetime. / Photo by Korea Organ Donation Agency

Born as the eldest of two daughters in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, Lee was a bright, cheerful, and polite child who greeted everyone first. She was class president throughout elementary school and was smart enough to rank first in the entire school on her first exam in the second year of middle school, while also excelling in sports.

Lee loved reading books from a young age and especially enjoyed stargazing, aspiring to study astronomy when she grew up. She loved studying and wanted a career teaching others, dreaming of becoming a university professor.

Upon hearing the tragic news, her school awarded her an honorary diploma and a model student award in January, as she was unable to complete her third year of middle school.

A 4-panel comic drawn by Ye-won Lee's younger sibling, hoping to reunite with her older sister.
[Image provided by Korea Organ Donation Agency]

Lee’s mother said, "I never thought we would part so suddenly, and even now I cannot believe the reality without you. I will never forget the warm moment when I first held you in my arms. You were joy and happiness to your mom and dad. Thank you for growing up so kind and beautiful. And I love you," delivering her final farewell.

Her father, Lee Junjae, said, "I miss my daughter and send her daily letters to heaven, sharing my daily life. I hope those who received new lives from Yewon live healthily and work hard on her behalf." Lee’s younger sibling also drew things that Yewon liked, hoping she would wake up while she was in the hospital.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.