What happened to Baek Se-hee? “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” author leaves behind a legacy — and new lives
What happened to Baek Se-hee?
The literary world is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author behind the global bestseller “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.” The 35-year-old writer, whose vulnerable reflections on depression sparked an international conversation about mental health, has passed away — but not without leaving one final act of love: saving five lives through organ donation.
According to the Korea Organ Donation Agency, Baek passed away at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital after being declared brain-dead. In her final moments, she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, gifts that have already given new life to five people. The agency confirmed her passing on Thursday, describing her as “a person who gave both hope and healing through her words — and through her final act.”
Baek was born in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, the second of three daughters. From a young age, she had a deep love for books and writing, a passion that would later help her transform personal struggles into powerful narratives. After earning a degree in Creative Writing, she spent five years at a publishing company before penning her debut book — a brave chronicle of her therapy sessions and battle with dysthymia, a persistent form of depression.
A Voice That Spoke the Unspoken
Published in 2018, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” began as a small Korean release and unexpectedly grew into a global phenomenon. The book has since sold over a million copies and been translated into 25 languages, including English in 2022. Its relatable honesty and conversational tone resonated deeply with readers around the world, particularly among those quietly battling emotional fatigue and anxiety.
Through candid dialogues with her psychiatrist, Baek offered readers a raw glimpse into her internal world — one where despair coexisted with the small joys of life, such as sharing a comforting plate of tteokbokki. The line, “The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki,” became an enduring metaphor for the fragile beauty of living with pain.
In 2019, she followed up with a sequel, “I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” which continued to explore emotional resilience and self-acceptance. The English translation of the sequel was released in 2024, further solidifying her status as a literary voice for a generation learning to balance vulnerability and survival.
A Final Message of Love
Baek’s younger sister, in a message shared through the donation agency, wrote:
“My sister shared her heart with the world through her writing. She loved deeply and could not hate anyone. Now, may she rest peacefully in the sky. I love you so much.”
Those who knew Baek described her as empathetic and selfless — someone who noticed pain in others before they spoke. Her final act of organ donation stands as a profound continuation of that compassion.
Though she is gone, Baek’s words — and her humanity — continue to inspire millions to find strength in vulnerability, seek help when needed, and hold on to the simple joys of being alive.
FAQs
Who was Baek Se-hee?
Baek Se-hee was a South Korean writer best known for her bestselling memoir “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.” Her works focus on mental health, healing, and everyday resilience.
How did Baek Se-hee die?
Baek was declared brain-dead and passed away at National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital. Following her death, she donated her organs to save five lives.
What made her book so influential?
Her honest and therapeutic approach to discussing depression and recovery made her a voice for mental health awareness in Korea and globally.
Did Baek Se-hee write other books?
Yes, she wrote a sequel titled “I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” published in Korean in 2019 and translated into English in 2024.
What is her legacy?
Baek’s legacy lies not only in her writing but in her selflessness — using both her words and her organs to heal others.