Korean girl, 16, donates organs after fatal car accident, saves 6 lives

A 16-year-old South Korean girl who died after a serious car accident donated her organs posthumously, and they have been transplanted to help six people.

The Korea Organ Donation Agency (KODA) said that Park Chae-yeon's heart, liver, lung, kidney, and both eyes were donated with her family's consent.

Park had suffered severe injuries in a car accident on Dec. 14, 2025, on the way to a relative's wedding with her family.

According to Chosun, the other driver had dozed off while behind the wheel.

She was rushed to the hospital, but did not regain consciousness afterwards, and was declared brain dead two days later.

According to KODA, her family said it was their wish that parts of their daughter would continue to live on in others.

Park was her parents' only child.

Wanted to help others in need

Known as an active and caring student, she was elected class president several times at her school.

She would often help friends in need, and wanted to become a social worker, her family said.

Park's father wished for good health for those who received a new life through his daughter's organs, and hoped that she would return as his daughter again in the next life.

Top images courtesy of the Korea Organ Donation Agency