Baek Se-hee, Author of I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki, Dies at 35: A Life Marked by Courage and Compassion
Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author known for her deeply personal and widely acclaimed memoir I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki, has passed away at the age of 35. Her death was confirmed recently, with details still private, but the impact of her work continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
Baek’s 2018 memoir broke new ground by openly discussing her struggles with depression through a series of conversations with her psychiatrist. It offered a rare and honest look at mental health, something that many found both relatable and comforting. Originally written in Korean, the book gained international attention after its English translation was released in 2022, introducing Baek’s voice to an even broader audience.
The Story Behind the Memoir That Changed Conversations on Mental Health
Baek Se-hee’s memoir centered around the conflict between despair and the simple pleasures of life symbolized by the desire to eat tteokbokki, a popular Korean rice cake dish, even while feeling overwhelmed by dark thoughts. This paradox is captured in one of the book’s most famous lines: “The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki.”
Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing and worked in publishing before sharing her story with the world. For nearly ten years, she received treatment for dysthymia, a chronic but mild form of depression, which shaped much of her writing. The memoir’s honest dialogue about mental illness helped remove stigma and encouraged many readers to seek help or simply feel less alone.
Her follow-up book, I Want to Die But I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, continued this narrative and was published in Korean in 2019, with the English version released recently in 2024.
Baek Se-hee’s Lasting Legacy: More Than Just a Bestseller
The success of I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki goes beyond sales figures — it has sold over a million copies worldwide and been translated into 25 languages. The memoir became a cultural phenomenon, not just in South Korea but internationally, as it resonated deeply with people facing mental health struggles.
In addition to her literary contributions, Baek Se-hee made a final generous gesture that reflected her compassion. She donated her organs, including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which have reportedly saved five lives. Her family shared that Baek wanted to “share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope,” a mission she carried through her writing and beyond.
Tributes poured in on social media from readers expressing gratitude for the comfort and honesty Baek provided. Many spoke of how her work helped them cope and find strength during difficult times.
A Quiet Departure, But a Loud Impact
While the exact circumstances of Baek Se-hee’s passing have not been disclosed, her influence remains clear. Through her words, she opened up conversations that many had been afraid to have, showing that it’s possible to acknowledge pain and still hold onto life’s small joys.
Her work reminds us that even when the heart feels heavy, simple things — like the taste of tteokbokki can offer moments of relief and hope. Also Read: Baek Se-hee, author of I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, dies aged 35
