In an emotional turn of events, Baek Se Hee has died at the age of 35, shocking readers around the world who found solace in her honest writings. Her death was confirmed by medical authorities in South Korea and affirmed by her publisher and translator. The cause and exact date of death have not been publicly disclosed.
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A Sudden Loss and Its Impact
Baek Se Hee, famed author of I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, became a voice for many struggling with mental health. Her passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, mental health advocates, fellow writers, and readers across the globe.
Although details remain limited, the Korea Organ Donation Agency revealed that Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys. Through this extraordinary act, she saved five lives.
Her death marks a sudden silence in conversations she helped bring to light: depression, therapy, and the emotional complexities of everyday life.
Baek Se Hee’s Journey & Literary Voice
From Blog to Bestselling Memoir
Baek Se Hee began her journey by sharing therapy notes on a personal blog, documenting her daily struggles, emotions, and conversations with her psychiatrist. Her raw, unfiltered voice resonated deeply with readers who found a reflection of their own thoughts and feelings in her words.
Her 2018 memoir, I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, used a unique structure—therapy dialogues paired with reflective essays—to explore chronic depression and anxiety. The title, combining a dark thought with the simple pleasure of eating tteokbokki (spicy Korean rice cakes), captured the complex emotional duality many people experience.
The book’s success extended far beyond South Korea. Its English translation in 2022 brought her voice to international audiences, selling over a million copies worldwide and being translated into more than 25 languages.
In 2024, she released a sequel titled I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki. This follow-up continued her exploration of mental health, hope, and the small joys that coexist with inner struggles.
Personal Background and Struggles
Baek was born in 1990 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. She studied creative writing before working in publishing.
She spoke openly about her mental health challenges, including undergoing psychiatric treatment for over a decade. Her transparency was significant in a society where conversations around mental health often carry stigma.
In various interviews, Baek expressed her hope that her writing would help readers see themselves from different perspectives and feel less alone. Many readers responded by sharing that her words felt like a light in the darkness.
Global Reaction & Memorials
Tributes and Remembrances
Authors, mental health advocates, and readers worldwide have shared heartfelt tributes. Her translator expressed how Baek’s words reached millions, emphasizing her global impact.
Baek’s sister shared a statement highlighting her gentle nature and lifelong wish to bring hope to others. Fans across different countries have quoted her writings, organized reading gatherings, and held virtual memorials in her honor.
Several mental health organizations have used this moment to further conversations about emotional well-being and support.
Legacy in Organ Donation
One of Baek Se Hee’s most meaningful final acts was her decision to donate her organs. Her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys went on to save five people’s lives.
In South Korea, organ donation remains a significant topic, and her contribution has inspired many discussions about giving back, even in death. Her decision reflects the same compassion that infused her writing — a desire to support and uplift others.
Where Baek Se Hee’s Work Lives On
Although Baek Se Hee is no longer with us, her voice remains alive through her work and its continuing impact.
- I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki continues to be read globally. New audiences discover her honest storytelling each year.
- Online mental health communities frequently share her insights, helping others navigate their personal struggles.
- Literary discussions increasingly analyze her work, focusing on her narrative style and cultural significance.
- Her life and writings may inspire future creative projects, including documentaries, academic studies, and adaptations.
Every time someone quotes her or reflects on her words, Baek Se Hee continues to touch lives across borders.
Her untimely passing is deeply felt, but the enduring influence of Baek Se Hee reminds us of the power of honest storytelling. She encouraged countless individuals to seek understanding, to be kinder to themselves, and to know they are not alone.
May her memory inspire others to speak openly, reach out for support, and keep finding light in everyday moments.