Baek Se-hee, Author Of 'I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki', Dies at 35

The world lost Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author who gave voice to the silent struggles of millions, on October 18. She was 35.

Baek Se-hee left behind words that will continue to resonate far beyond the confines of her books. The cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed, but her life and work remain a powerful testament to courage, honesty, and empathy.

Who was Baek Se-hee?

Baek Se-hee became widely known for her bestselling memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, first published in 2018. It was a simple concept with extraordinary impact: the author shared transcripts of her therapy sessions alongside her reflections, revealing the tension between the desire to give up and the instinct to hold on to life’s small comforts. The title itself — wanting to die but still craving a beloved Korean street snack — captures a paradox familiar to many: despair and hope, darkness and light, coexist in the human experience.

Her work resonated not only because it was honest, but because it was accessible. Baek did not promise easy answers. She did not claim that life could be made painless. Instead, she allowed readers to see the messy, uneven process of surviving depression. She gave language to feelings that are often kept hidden, helping people realise that their struggles were valid and that seeking help was an act of strength, not a sign of weakness.

The English translation of her book, released in 2022, brought her message to a global audience, inspiring discussions about mental health across cultures. Her sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, explored ongoing struggles with self-harm, therapy, and persistence, emphasising that survival is often a series of small, meaningful steps rather than grand achievements.

Saves lives with organ donation

Even in passing, Baek Se-hee continued to give. Reports indicate that she was an organ donor, saving five lives after her death. This final act of generosity mirrors the spirit she conveyed through her writing: that compassion, even in the smallest gestures, has a profound impact.

Baek’s legacy lies not only in her words but in the empathy she inspired. Her memoirs remind us that it is okay to feel conflicted, to be vulnerable, and to embrace the tiny joys that can anchor us when life feels heavy. She taught us that choosing to continue — even one small act at a time — is a triumph in itself.

While we grieve her passing, we also celebrate her life: a life that spoke for the silenced, comforted the lonely, and gave hope to those struggling in quiet despair. Through her writing, Baek Se-hee remains present, reminding us that vulnerability is not weakness, but the truest expression of strength.