The Amazing Journey of a 16-Year-Old Novelist
Teenage bestseller author Baek Eun-byeol (16) has pledged to donate 100 million KRW, making her the youngest member of the Honor Society in the history of Seoul’s Love for the Community.
Many are touched by the remarkable act of kindness from this teenage author, who is still a student.
According to the Love for the Community Social Welfare Fund on the 18th, author Baek Eun-byeol has become the 3,700th member nationally and the 454th member from Seoul of the Honor Society by pledging a donation of 100 million KRW.
The donation from this teenage author sets the record for the youngest contributor in the history of Love for the Community in Seoul, making its significance even more special.
Capturing the Hearts of Youth with Literary Talent
Baek Eun-byeol made her debut in the literary world in 2023 as a second-year middle school student with her novel "A Time of Limitation."
This work delicately portrays depression and confusion from a teenager's perspective, soaring to the top of the youth bestseller list for 20 consecutive weeks immediately after its release, generating significant buzz.
Since then, she has consistently published works like "Growing Pains," "The Longest Memory," and "The Sea of Glimmer," firmly establishing herself as a youth author. Particularly, her recent work "The Sea of Glimmer," a romance fantasy novel that deals with first love and growth among teenagers in a society that does not acknowledge differences, achieved the notable feat of reaching 39th on the comprehensive bestseller list at Kyobo Bookstore in the second week of July.
A Heart to Give Back the Love from Readers
Baek Eun-byeol expressed her decision to donate by stating, "I believe that instilling a new dream of becoming a writer in peers my age and writing stories that can empathize with and comfort those who are struggling is a way to benefit the world." She added, "I decided to donate to give back the love I received from my readers to society."
The Honor Society is a group for high-value donors who contribute more than 100 million KRW, managed by Love for the Community in Seoul. As of 2024, there are 3,709 members nationwide, with 462 members in the Seoul area.
This group leads the domestic donation culture by practicing the principle of noble obligation through voluntary donations from leaders in various sectors of society. The 100 million KRW pledged by Baek Eun-byeol is expected to be used for welfare projects supporting disadvantaged groups in the Seoul area.
The generosity of Baek Eun-byeol, still a teenager, continues to inspire and touch many people.
Beyond comforting her peers with her literary talent, her act of returning economic success to society serves as a great example for adults as well.
Many are paying attention to her future literary endeavors and positive influence.
Image source: Instagram 'writer_byeul', Seoul's Love for the Community Secretary General Shin Hye-young and donor Baek Eun-byeol pose for a commemorative photo holding the Honor Society certification plaque. / Love for the Community in Seoul.
