South Korean author Baek Se-hee dies at 35; a life marked by honesty and generosity
Baek Se-hee, the South Korean writer best known for her bestseller I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35, according to the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency. The organization announced that Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, saving five lives. The cause and exact date of death were not disclosed.
From a memoir that resonated with millions to a legacy that saved lives
Born in 1990 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Baek Se-hee grew up as the second of three daughters. She studied creative writing in college and spent five years working at a publishing company, a period during which she was diagnosed with dysthymia, a form of persistent depression. Her personal journey through therapy and healing became the foundation of her best-selling memoir, published in 2018, which later inspired a sequel.
Her work, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, resonated with readers for its candid exploration of mental health, resilience and the everyday realities of living with depression. The book’s conversational tone, paired with stark honesty, helped bring conversations about mental wellness into mainstream discourse in South Korea and beyond. The memoirs have been translated into English and published by Bloomsbury, expanding her influence to an international audience.
Career milestones and collaborations
Following the success of her debut, Baek expanded her writing catalog with a second memoir, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which arrived the following year. She also explored collaborative projects, including No One Will Ever Love You as Much as I Do in 2021 and I Want to Write, I don’t Want to Write in 2022. These works continued to probe themes of connection, empathy and the complexities of human emotion, earning her critical respect within contemporary Korean literature.
The gift of life: a moving final chapter
Baek’s death is being mourned by readers and literary peers alike, but it is her decision to donate life-saving organs that has drawn particular notice. The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency described her as a “star in the sky” for her generosity, noting that her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys were donated at Ilsan Hospital. The agency’s director, Lee Sam-yeol, said the memorial was a testament to how Baek’s final act of kindness could inspire others to consider organ donation.
“The love Baek shared at the end of her life — after offering comfort and hope through her heartfelt writing — has become a miracle that gives life to others,” the director remarked, emphasizing the enduring impact of Baek’s choice beyond her literary legacy.
Family reflections and the enduring message
Baek’s sister, Baek Da-hee, spoke publicly about the writer’s generosity and vulnerability. “My sister, whom I loved most, wanted to write, to connect with hearts through writing and to nurture dreams and hopes,” Da-hee said. She added a hopeful note, expressing belief that Baek is at peace, and underscoring the importance of sharing one’s gifts with others.
What this means for readers and for society
Baek Se-hee’s life and work illustrate a powerful link between literature and lived compassion. Her memoirs offered readers an intimate window into mental health struggles, while her final act—giving multiple organs—demonstrates the extraordinary reach of human generosity. In celebrating her memory, readers are reminded that writing can illuminate pain, spark conversation, and, in turn, save lives when it extends beyond the page.
In memoriam and continuing conversations
As tributes pour in from book lovers, therapists and fellow writers, Baek Se-hee’s story endures as a bridge between storytelling and service. The author’s legacy invites ongoing dialogue about mental health, access to care, and the transformative power of donor decisions. For anyone who has found solace in her words, her life offers a lasting reminder that creativity and care can become a shared, life-affirming gift.
