Baek Se-hee, Author of 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki', Dies at 35
seoul, vrijdag, 17 oktober 2025.
South Korean author Baek Se-hee, known for her bestseller ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’, has died at the age of 35. Her book, published in 2018, gained worldwide recognition for its honest portrayal of mental health issues and the struggle with depression. After her death, Baek’s organs saved the lives of five people, which her sister considers a final act of love. Her work continues to be a source of comfort and hope for millions of readers around the world.
A Life of Meaning
Baek Se-hee, born in 1990 as the second of three daughters in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, studied creative writing at university and worked for five years at a publishing house. During this period, she was diagnosed with dysthymia, a mild but persistent form of depression, leading her to undergo therapy. These experiences formed the basis for her bestseller ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’, published in 2018 [1][2][3][4].
Worldwide Recognition
Her book, originally written in Korean, gained international recognition after it was translated into English in 2022. It became a cultural phenomenon, selling over a million copies worldwide and being translated into 25 countries. The book was renowned for its honest depiction of mental health issues and the struggle with depression, resonating deeply with readers around the world [1][2][3][4].
Impact on Mental Health Conversations
Baek’s book made a significant contribution to normalising conversations about mental health. She spoke openly about her inner conflicts, such as the contradiction between depressive thoughts and the enjoyment of small pleasures, like eating tteokbokki. Her book was celebrated for how it handled these complex emotions and offered hope to people struggling with similar issues [1][2][3][4].
A Final Act of Love
After her death, Baek Se-hee donated her organs, saving the lives of five people. Her sister, Baek Da-hee, described this as a final act of love and remembered her as someone who ‘wanted to share her heart with others through her writing and inspire hope’. Her sister added: ‘I know that her kind heart, which knew so much love and hated no one, can now find peace in heaven’ [1][2][3][4].
A Lasting Legacy
Baek Se-hee’s influence extends far beyond her personal story. Her books remain a source of comfort and hope for millions of readers around the world. Her honesty and courage have opened the door to more open conversations about mental health and have positively impacted many lives [1][2][3][4].