Baek Se-hee, Author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Dies at 35
Seoul, South Korea | October 17, 2025
South Korean author Baek Se-hee, best known for her deeply moving memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35.
Her passing was confirmed on Friday by the Korean Organ Donation Agency, which revealed that Baek had donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, saving five lives in the process.
💔 A Voice That Spoke for Millions
Baek Se-hee’s 2018 memoir became a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and beyond. The book, which captured real conversations between Baek and her psychiatrist, explored themes of depression, anxiety, and the daily struggle to find joy amid emotional pain.
It struck a chord with young readers, especially those grappling with mental health issues in a society where such topics were often stigmatized.
The book’s title, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, perfectly encapsulated her honest internal conflict — torn between dark thoughts and the simple pleasure of enjoying her favorite Korean snack.
Translated into more than 25 languages, the memoir has sold over a million copies worldwide, helping normalize mental health discussions across generations.
🕊️ A Legacy of Empathy and Courage
In a statement, Baek’s sister said that the author “wanted to share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope.”
Her publisher and fans have described her as a writer who transformed personal pain into collective healing, giving a voice to those who silently endure emotional struggles.
While details surrounding her death remain unclear, her decision to become an organ donor underscores her compassion and selflessness — values that defined both her life and her writing.
📖 Remembering Baek Se-hee
Born in 1989, Baek worked as a book editor before debuting as an author. Her candid storytelling and vulnerability set her apart in South Korea’s literary scene, inspiring many to seek help and talk openly about mental health.
Fans across the world have been posting tributes on social media, sharing quotes from her book such as:
“I want to live, even if my life is sometimes painful.”
Her passing is not just a loss to Korean literature but to anyone who found solace in her words.
🕯️ Final Thought
Baek Se-hee’s story reminds us that mental health is not weakness but humanity itself. Through her honesty, she helped countless readers feel seen — and even in death, she continues to give life through her organ donation.
Her words will live on, echoing hope for those still learning to find light in their darkness.
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