What happens when a book title feels like a secret you’ve whispered to yourself? That’s what Baek Sehee did with I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki. Her words struck a chord with readers around the world. And now, with the heartbreaking news of her passing at just 35, her story feels even more urgent to revisit.
Who Was Baek Sehee?
Baek Sehee was more than an author—she was a cultural voice who dared to speak openly about depression in a society where mental health is often stigmatized.
She worked in publishing and marketing before writing her breakout memoir.
In 2018, she released I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, a mix of diary entries and therapy transcripts.
The book sold over a million copies worldwide and was translated into more than 25 languages.
In 2019, she followed up with I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, continuing her reflections on therapy and daily struggles.
Her writing was raw, funny, and deeply relatable—qualities that made her a global literary voice.
The Latest News: A Life Cut Short
On October 16, 2025, Baek Sehee passed away at the age of 35. She was declared brain-dead at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Goyang, South Korea.
In her final act of generosity, Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, saving the lives of five patients through the Korea Organ Donation Agency. While the cause of her death has not been disclosed, her legacy of compassion and honesty continues to resonate worldwide.
Why Her Work Resonated Globally
Baek Sehee’s writing wasn’t polished self-help—it was messy, vulnerable, and human. That’s why it mattered.
She normalized therapy: By publishing her psychiatrist conversations, she made it okay to talk about mental health.
She blended food and feelings: Using tteokbokki, a beloved Korean comfort food, as a metaphor, she showed how small joys can coexist with deep struggles.
She inspired young readers: From Seoul to New York, her book became a touchstone for people navigating anxiety and depression.
She gained celebrity support: BTS’s RM recommended her book, helping it reach an even wider international audience.
Did You Know?
Baek’s memoir was originally self-published through a crowdfunding platform before being picked up by a major publisher. Its grassroots success showed just how hungry readers were for honest conversations about mental health.
Common Questions About Baek Sehee
Q: Did she only write one book?
No. She wrote a sequel in 2019, continuing her reflections on therapy and daily life.
Q: Why was her writing so impactful?
Because she didn’t try to “fix” the reader. Instead, she invited us into her own messy, honest journey.
Q: How is she remembered today?
As a writer who gave language to feelings many couldn’t express—and as someone who, even in death, gave life to others through organ donation.
A Personal Reflection
When I first saw her book title, it felt like something a friend might confess late at night—half a joke, half a cry for help. Reading her words reminded me that vulnerability can be powerful, and that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is admit we’re not okay.
Carrying Her Story Forward
Baek Sehee may be gone, but her words continue to ripple across cultures and generations. She showed us that mental health conversations don’t have to be clinical—they can be messy, funny, and deeply human. If you’ve ever felt torn between despair and delight, her writing reminds you that you’re not alone.
How has Baek Sehee’s story touched you? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep her conversation alive.