Tribute to a Courageous Voice
Baek Se-hee, the South Korean writer who publicly chronicled her mental health struggles, has died at the age of 35. Her work, including the international bestseller I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (2018), resonated globally for its raw honesty about depression, dysthymia, and the daily battles of anxiety. Her passing prompts a worldwide reflection on how personal stories can spur broader conversations about mental health, stigma, and the human cost of untreated distress.
The Book That Resonated Across Borders
The 2018 memoir, translated and published in multiple languages, centers on Baek’s dialogues with her psychiatrist over a twelve-week period, paired with her own reflective micro-essays. Bloomsbury, Baek’s publisher, describes the book as a candid exploration of the behaviors that can trap someone in a cycle of self-harm, and an invitation to readers to understand that seeking connection and help is a sign of strength. The work did not merely recount symptoms; it offered a path toward empathy, urging readers to talk openly about mental health with friends, family, and clinicians.
A Sequel and a Continued Journey
Building on the themes of vulnerability and perseverance, Baek published a sequel in 2019 titled I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki. The sequel communicates a sober awareness that the search for contentment is ongoing and nonlinear. It reaffirmed Baek’s belief that personal narrative can become a catalyst for communal healing, encouraging readers to acknowledge their own struggles and seek support when needed.
Her Battle With Dysthymia
In her writings, Baek articulated a lived experience of dysthymia, now referred to as a persistent depressive disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health describes dysthymia as chronic low-level depression that may be less dramatic than major depressive episodes but can persist for years. Baek’s openness about this condition helped many readers recognize the gravity of long-term mental health challenges and the importance of ongoing treatment, coping strategies, and social support.
A Generous Legacy: Organ Donation
Baek’s legacy extends beyond literature. The Korea Organ Donation Agency confirmed that she saved five lives through organ donation—including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys—at National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in South Korea. The act embodies a profound message of generosity and hope, illustrating how personal tragedy can inspire lifesaving choices that endure after a person’s death. Her generosity has continued to inspire readers and advocates of organ donation around the world.
Responses from the Literary World
Publishers, translators, and readers have shared tributes highlighting Baek’s courage and the lasting impact of her work. A statement from her editor at Bloomsbury emphasized that Baek’s vulnerability and candor drew readers into meaningful conversations. Her translator, Anton Hur, noted that her writing touched millions of lives, underscoring the global reach of her voice and the universality of her themes: mental health, resilience, and human connection.
Why Baek Se-hee’s Story Remains Relevant
In a world where mental health conversations are increasingly prioritized, Baek’s memoirs offer a blueprint for compassionate storytelling. Her work validates the experience of those who live with chronic mental health conditions and demonstrates how storytelling can be a form of therapy—for the author and for readers who may recognize parts of their own struggles within her pages. The combination of literary craft and clinical insight, coupled with a generous spirit, makes her writings deeply instructive for those seeking to understand depression, dysthymia, and the complexities of healing.
Continuing the Conversation
Baek Se-hee’s life invites ongoing dialogue about mental health care accessibility, the stigma surrounding psychiatric conditions, and the power of sharing one’s story with candor. Her work will likely continue to be a touchstone for readers seeking honesty, solace, and a sense of solidarity in the face of chronic mental health challenges.
