Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author whose bestselling memoir ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ brought global attention to mental health issues, has died at the age of 35. Her death was reported today, with her organ donations saving five lives, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency.
Baek Se-hee passed away recently, with details surrounding her death remaining private. In a remarkable act of generosity, she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which have helped save five individuals, as confirmed by the Korean Organ Donation Agency. Her sister expressed that Baek wished to share her heart with others through her work and inspire hope, reflecting her gentle nature and inability to harbor hatred.
Her 2018 book, ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,’ is a compilation of conversations with her psychiatrist about her struggles with dysthymia, a persistent depressive disorder. The memoir was praised for its honest portrayal of mental health, resonating deeply with readers by normalizing discussions about depression and inner conflicts. It quickly became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and beyond, celebrated for its plain-spoken honesty and effort to dismantle stigma.
The book’s title captures the essence of her narrative—the coexistence of suicidal thoughts with simple desires for comfort, like eating tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food. This duality struck a chord with millions, as Baek articulated the complex emotions of living with mental illness. Her work has been instrumental in reducing the stigma associated with mental health in conservative societies, offering a nuanced take on inner struggles.
Originally published in Korean, the memoir gained international acclaim after its English translation in 2022, selling over a million copies worldwide and being translated into more than 25 languages. In the UK alone, it sold 100,000 copies within six months, highlighting its widespread appeal. The book’s success underscores the universal nature of mental health struggles, as Baek once noted that the feeling of a ‘wounded heart’ is the same across cultures.
Baek’s literary career included collaborations on other books, such as ‘No One Will Ever Love You as Much as I Do’ and ‘I Want to Write, I Don’t Want to Write,’ and she engaged with readers through talk concerts and lectures. In June 2025, she published her first work of short fiction, ‘A Will from Barcelona,’ showcasing her evolving artistry and commitment to writing despite personal challenges.
Tributes have flooded social media, with fans and colleagues expressing grief and gratitude for her impact. Translator Anton Hur noted on Instagram that while her organs saved five lives, her writing touched millions more. Readers shared how her book provided comfort and courage, emphasizing her legacy of empathy and openness in addressing mental health.
Baek’s death brings attention to the ongoing need for mental health awareness and support. Her work continues to inspire conversations about depression, and her organ donation serves as a final act of giving. The literary community mourns her loss while celebrating her contributions to literature and mental health advocacy, ensuring her message of hope endures.