Baek Se-hee, Author of ‘I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki,’ Dies at 35

The literary community is mourning the loss of Baek Se-hee, a South Korean author who profoundly impacted global mental health discussions. Her memoir, "I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki," resonated with many. The 35-year-old writer reportedly passed away earlier this week, leaving behind a legacy that continues to comfort those struggling in silence.

Baek Se-hee's work was more than just writing; it was a reflection of a generation dealing with depression and self-doubt. Her 2018 memoir, based on candid conversations with her psychiatrist, offered an unfiltered glimpse into living with depression. This book became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and worldwide.

Baek Se-hee's Global Impact

Her memoir sold over a million copies and was translated into more than 25 languages, including English in 2022. Readers were captivated by Baek's honesty and vulnerability. Her memorable line, "The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki, too," captured the paradox of despair and the will to live.

When "I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki" first appeared on shelves, it wasn't expected to become a bestseller. Yet it spoke directly to readers who saw themselves in Baek's quiet confessions of anxiety and numbness. The English translation by Anton Hur introduced her deeply Korean yet universally relatable story to the world.

The Legacy of Baek Se-hee's Work

The book's success wasn't just literary; it was emotional. It became a lifeline for readers who felt unseen. The sequel, "I Want To Die But I Still Want To Eat Tteokbokki," released in Korean in 2019 and translated into English in 2024, continued her introspective journey into healing and self-acceptance.

Even after her passing, Baek's compassion continued through organ donation. The Korean Organ Donation Agency confirmed she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, saving five lives. Her translator Anton Hur shared on Instagram: "Baek Sehee... saved five lives through her donation... But her readers will know she touched yet millions of lives more with her writing."

Baek Se-hee's Enduring Influence

Baek's sister expressed that she always wanted to "share her heart with others through her work." Her writing stood out not because it romanticised pain but because it humanised it. She gave shape to feelings many couldn't name—the quiet exhaustion of mental illness and the search for light amid darkness.

Her work opened crucial conversations about mental health in societies where such discussions are often silenced. Across social media platforms, readers worldwide have shared how her words helped them feel less alone. For many, Baek wasn't just an author; she was a companion who understood their invisible battles.

In remembering Baek Se-hee, it's clear that her story isn't just about loss but about legacy. Her life and words remind us that even during our lowest moments, small joys can tether us to life—a comforting meal or a kind word can make all the difference.

As fans grieve her passing, Baek's message continues to echo through her pages: it's okay not to be okay and okay to crave life's sweetness even when your heart feels heavy. Though she may no longer be here physically, through her words, she remains alive in every person who reads her book and feels seen.