Beloved Author Baek Se-hee of I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Passes Away at 35
Baek Se-hee, the celebrated author known for her impactful memoir *I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki*, has sadly passed away at the age of 35. Her death has left many fans and readers mourning the loss of a voice that resonated with countless individuals.
Contributions to Literature and Legacy
Baek’s memoir, published in South Korea in 2018 and later in the UK in 2022 by Bloomsbury, reflects her ongoing conversations with her psychiatrist. The book’s candid depiction of mental health struggles has touched millions.
Following her initial success, Baek released a sequel titled *I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki* in the UK last year. This second installment continued her exploration of personal experiences, furthering her influence in the literary world.
Impact of Her Work
Her first book has achieved significant success, selling around 600,000 copies in Korea and surpassing one million copies globally. It has been translated into over 25 languages, illustrating its wide-reaching impact.
Anton Hur, the translator of her works into English, emphasized how her writing impacted readers, stating she inspired hope and provided solace to many. Baek’s ability to articulate her struggles resonated deeply, allowing readers to find comfort in shared experiences.
Personal Journey
Born in 1990, Baek Se-hee pursued creative writing at university and initially worked for five years in publishing. Her personal journey with mental health included a decade of psychiatric treatment.
- First book: *I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* (2018)
- Sequel: *I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki* (2022)
- Copies sold: Approximately 600,000 in Korea, over 1 million worldwide
- Translated into: More than 25 languages
The inspiration for her memoir began with her blog, where she shared insights from her therapy sessions. A comment from a reader, expressing how her writing illuminated their life, greatly surprised her and motivated Baek to publish her thoughts in book form.
Final Days and Donations
Although the cause of her death remains unclear, Baek’s legacy continues through her literary contributions. The Korean organ donation agency reported that she saved five lives by donating vital organs, including her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys. Her sister remarked on Baek’s gentle nature and her desire to share hope with her readers, hoping she can now rest peacefully.
As fans and fellow writers mourn, Baek Se-hee’s message of hope and understanding lives on through her work and the lives she impacted. Her story reminds us of the power of literature to connect and heal.
