Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author of the bestselling memoir ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,’ has died at 35. Her death was accompanied by the donation of her organs, which saved five lives, while her writing continues to inspire millions with its honest portrayal of mental health struggles.
Baek Se-hee passed away at the age of 35, with the details surrounding her death remaining unclear. In a poignant act of generosity, she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, which have saved five individuals, as confirmed by the Korean Organ Donation Agency. Her sister stated that Baek had always wanted to share her heart with others through her work and inspire hope, a sentiment echoed by her readers and the broader community.
Baek was best known for her 2018 memoir, ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,’ which compiled her conversations with her psychiatrist about her decade-long struggle with dysthymia, a persistent form of depression. The book’s title captures the duality of her experiences—the desire to end life’s pain while still finding joy in simple pleasures like tteokbokki, a popular Korean dish of spicy rice cakes. This nuanced approach resonated deeply with audiences, making the work a cultural touchstone for mental health discussions.
Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing in university and worked for five years at a publishing house before embarking on her writing career. The idea for her memoir originated from blog posts where she shared notes from her therapy sessions, receiving positive feedback that encouraged her to publish. She once remarked that writing helped her see herself from different angles, allowing for a three-dimensional self-regard that became a cornerstone of her therapeutic and literary journey.
The memoir became a cultural phenomenon, selling over a million copies worldwide and being translated into more than 25 languages. Its English version, published in 2022 by Bloomsbury, brought her work to an international audience, normalizing conversations about mental health and resonating with readers globally for its raw and relatable take on inner conflicts. The book’s success underscored a growing appetite for authentic narratives about psychological well-being.
A sequel, ‘I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki,’ was published in Korean in 2019 and in English in 2024, further exploring her journey and expanding on the themes of resilience and self-discovery. Translator Anton Hur, who worked on the English editions, remarked that while her organs saved five people, her writing touched millions more, highlighting the profound impact of her honesty and vulnerability in fostering empathy and understanding.
Tributes have flooded social media, with readers expressing gratitude for her work. One Instagram user noted that each reading of her book brought deep comfort and personal growth, underscoring how Baek’s writing provided solace and inspiration to those facing similar struggles. Her ability to connect with audiences on such a personal level has cemented her legacy as a voice for mental health advocacy.
Baek’s legacy extends beyond her literary achievements; she has become a symbol of hope and resilience in mental health advocacy. Her ability to articulate the complexities of depression has encouraged open discussions and reduced stigma, ensuring that her influence will endure for years to come, inspiring future generations to approach mental health with courage and compassion.