Introduction to Baek Se-hee
Baek Se-hee, a renowned South Korean author, has passed away at the age of 35. Her bestselling memoir, "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki," was a cultural phenomenon that resonated with readers worldwide. The book, which was originally written in Korean, gained international recognition after its English translation was published in 2022.
The Bestselling Memoir
The memoir is a compilation of conversations with her psychiatrist about her depression. It was released in 2018 and has sold over a million copies worldwide, being translated into 25 countries. The book normalizes conversations about mental health and takes a nuanced approach to inner struggles, particularly the author’s personal conflict between depressive thoughts and her appreciation for simple joys. One of the most famous lines from the book states, "The human heart, even when it wants to die, often wants to eat some tteokbokki at the same time."
Baek Se-hee’s Life and Work
Born in 1990, Baek Se-hee studied creative writing at university and worked at a publishing company for five years. She was treated for dysthymia, a mild but long-lasting form of depression, for over a decade, which formed the basis of her bestselling book. A sequel, "I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki," was released in Korean in 2019, with the English translation published in 2024.
Tributes and Legacy
Tributes have poured in on social media, with readers expressing their gratitude for Baek’s honesty and the comfort they found in her writing. The translator of her book, Anton Hur, wrote that her organs saved five people, but "her readers will know that she touched millions more lives with her writing." Baek donated her organs, including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which helped save five lives, according to the Korea Organ Donation Agency.
Impact and Support
Baek’s work has had a significant impact on conversations around mental health, and her legacy will continue to inspire hope and comfort in readers. For those struggling with mental health issues, there are organizations available that offer support and information. In the UK, readers can visit the BBC Action Line, while those outside the UK can visit the Befrienders website. Baek’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of talking openly about mental health and the impact that one person’s story can have on others.
