Baek Se-hee, Beloved Author of ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,’ Passes Away at 35
Baek Se-hee, a celebrated author known for her poignant memoir “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” has tragically passed away at 35. Her death has been confirmed by the Korea Organ Donation Agency, which stated that Baek saved five lives through her organ donations, including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Impact of Baek Se-hee’s Memoir
Baek rose to fame with her 2018 bestseller, which candidly explored her battles with depression, specifically dysthymia—a persistent depressive disorder. The book served as both an essay and a self-help guide, resonating widely with readers and challenging the stigma surrounding mental health in Korea.
- Published in 2018
- Approximately 600,000 copies sold in Korea
- Translated into more than 25 languages
- Over 1 million copies sold globally
- 100,000 copies sold in the UK within six months of release
Baek’s Message and Legacy
In a reflection on her work, Baek emphasized the universal nature of emotional pain. She noted that despite cultural differences, many people experience similar feelings of a “wounded heart.” In her words, “It takes great courage just to say, ‘I’m not okay.’”
Her contributions extended beyond her memoir. Baek co-authored books like “No One Will Ever Love You as Much as I Do” (2021) and “I Want to Write, I Don’t Want to Write” (2022). She actively engaged with her audience through various talk events and lectures.
A Final Work
In June, she released her first collection of short fiction titled “A Will from Barcelona.” Baek Se-hee’s work continues to inspire hope and connection among those grappling with mental health issues.
Her younger sister expressed the family’s sentiments, highlighting Baek’s desire to share her experiences and inspire others. “Knowing her gentle nature, incapable of harboring hatred, I hope she can now rest peacefully,” she said in a press release.
Baek Se-hee’s legacy endures through her writings and the lives she touched. Her works serve as a beacon of hope for many facing similar struggles.
