Author of I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Baek Se-hee Passes Away at 35
Baek Se-hee, the acclaimed South Korean author known for her poignant memoirs, has tragically passed away at the age of 35. She gained widespread recognition for her works, including I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (2018) and its sequel I Want to Die But I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki (2024).
Details Surrounding Her Death
Baek’s passing remains shrouded in mystery, with no official cause of death announced. The Korea Organ Donation Agency reported on October 17 that she made a profound impact in her final act by donating her organs, thereby saving five lives. The donations took place at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, located in Gyeonggi Province, to the north of Seoul, where Baek was born.
Legacy and Influence
Her memoirs, translated by South Korean writer Anton Hur, delve into her struggles with dysthymia, a form of chronic depression. These books, characterized by engaging dialogues with her therapist, have resonated deeply with readers. Together, they spent over 100 weeks on The Straits Times’ bestsellers list, particularly popular in Singapore.
Recent Engagements
Baek was a featured speaker at the Singapore Writers Festival in November 2024. During this event, she candidly shared her experiences navigating mental health challenges, connecting with a diverse audience at the Victoria Theatre. She remarked on the commonalities shared with her Singaporean fans, revealing her desire to bridge cultural differences through shared struggles.
Reflections on Mental Health
In her writings, Baek often expressed the complexities of living with depression, a topic that remains heavily stigmatized in South Korea and across many Asian cultures. She vividly articulated her personal battle with thoughts of despair while being drawn back to the simple joys, such as enjoying her favorite dish, tteokbokki.
Baek’s introspective nature led her to explore the contrast between external appearances and internal struggles. She often questioned how many others might be experiencing similar feelings of inadequacy, despite appearing “totally fine” outwardly.
Global Impact
Her works have transcended borders, being translated into over 25 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Italian, and Polish. Baek Se-hee’s unique voice has contributed to a growing interest in South Korean literature, particularly in the realm of mental health.
Contact Information for Mental Health Resources
For those seeking support, there are numerous mental health resources available:
- National helpline: 1771 (24 hours) / 6669-1771 (via WhatsApp)
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1-767 (24 hours) / 9151-1767 (CareText via WhatsApp)
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
- Women’s Helpline (Aware): 1800-777-5555 (weekdays, 10am to 6pm)
- The Seniors Helpline: 1800-555-5555 (weekdays, 9am to 5pm)
- Tinkle Friend: 1800-2744-788 (for primary school-age children)
Baek Se-hee’s passing marks a significant loss in the literary and mental health communities, but her contributions will undoubtedly continue to inspire conversations on these vital topics.
