Overview
The literary world is mourning Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author of the bestselling memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, who has died at the age of 35. News outlets reported the death with details broad in scope but sparse on the circumstances. Her work, first published in Korean in 2018 and later translated into English in 2022, resonated far beyond Korea, becoming a cultural touchstone for conversations about mental health and everyday struggles.
About the memoir and its impact
Baek Se-hee’s memoir is structured around candid conversations with her psychiatrist, offering an intimate look at dysthymia and the nuanced tension between despair and ordinary pleasures. The title itself encapsulated a paradox many readers found relatable: even when life feels burdened, small joys — like a comforting bowl of tteokbokki — persist. The book’s unflinching honesty helped normalize discussions about depression and mental health in a culture that has historically stigmatized such topics.
Global reception and legacy
Translating the work into English in 2022 broadened its audience, and the memoir has since sold well over a million copies and been translated into 25 countries. Critics and readers praised its humane portrayal of inner life: not a dramatic memoir of crisis, but a steady, hopeful account of living with mental illness and choosing to keep moving forward. The book’s accessibility and warmth contributed to international conversations about mental health care, self-acceptance, and the social importance of listening to one another.
Donor legacy and statements from family
In a touching dimension to her life story, it was announced that Baek Se-hee had donated her organs after her death — heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys — a decision described by the Korean Organ Donation Agency as saving five lives. Her sister’s comments emphasized Baek’s wish to “share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope.” This act of generosity underlines a complex and hopeful narrative that extends beyond her writing.
Additional works and ongoing influence
Baek Se-hee also authored a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which was published in Korean in 2019 and translated into English in 2024. The continuation continued to explore the balance between depressive thoughts and everyday pleasures, reinforcing the author’s message that mental health is a continuous, evolving journey. Through her storytelling, Baek helped readers feel seen, offering language for experiences that can otherwise feel isolating.
Community resources and support
For readers seeking help or information about mental health, resources remain available. In the UK, BBC Action Line provides support and guidance, while Befrienders offers international assistance. If you are outside the UK, you can access Befrienders’ global directory for local support services. Reaching out to a trusted person or professional can be a vital step toward managing difficult feelings.
In memoriam
The literary community remembers Baek Se-hee not only for the pages she wrote but for the conversations she sparked about resilience, vulnerability, and the value of human connection. Her work will likely continue to influence readers, writers, and mental health discourse for years to come.
