‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki’ author, Baek Se-hee, dies aged 35

At age 35, South Korean writer Baek Se-hee died on Thursday, her family said.

The author rose to fame in 2018 when she published her first novel, ‘I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.’ 

The book is a memoir in which the author recounts her experience with therapy. 

It features twelve conversations between her and her psychiatrist, taking place over the span of three months. 

The novel was followed in 2019 by a sequel, titled ‘I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki.’

Both books dealt with topics such as anxiety, self-harm, and dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder), all of which Baek suffered from. 

‘Not alone’

In 2020, shortly after the publication of her second novel, Baek talked about what inspired her to publish her candid works. 

During an interview with K-Book Trends, she said: “I hoped that people who feel the same would find relief in knowing they’re not alone, and that people unlike me would at least realise that such people exist.” 

The novels caused a stir in Asia (and later, internationally) thanks to their openness and honesty while talking about delicate arguments such as mental health – especially in South Korea, where these topics are often seen as taboo. 

The title refers to a popular South Korean snack, tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake, and to the somewhat ordinary pleasure of finding comfort in ordinary life. 

“I was thinking of planning my own death, but I got hungry and ate tteokbokki,” the author told The Straits Times in 2024.

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The love that lives on 

The cause of death has not been made public. 

The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency confirmed that the author donated her lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart, helping save five lives. 

“We are deeply grateful for the warm-hearted love shown by donor Baek Se-hee and her family in practising the gift of life,” a statement read.

“The love Baek shared at the end of her life – after offering comfort and hope through her heartfelt writing – has become a miracle that gives life to others,” it added.

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