Baek Sehee Death and Obituary – South Korean author Baek Se-hee, whose deeply personal memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki brought global attention to the realities of living with depression, passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 35. Her publisher confirmed the news, stating that the family has requested privacy as they grieve. The exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Following her death, Baek was declared brain-dead, and in an act of immense generosity, her organs were donated, saving five lives. Reports indicate that she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, underscoring the compassion and humanity that defined much of her life and work. Her legacy, both literary and humanitarian, continues to inspire readers and admirers worldwide.
A Voice That Spoke for Millions
Born in 1990, Baek Se-hee worked in the publishing industry before turning her personal experiences with mental illness into a groundbreaking literary work. Her 2018 memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, chronicled her struggles with dysthymia, a form of persistent mild depression, through a series of conversations with her psychiatrist. The title itself encapsulated the paradox of wanting to live and find joy despite the weight of emotional pain — a feeling that resonated deeply with readers.
Baek’s honest, intimate writing broke through cultural barriers and helped normalize discussions about mental health, particularly in South Korea, where such topics are often stigmatized. Her courage in articulating the internal conflicts of depression provided solace to countless people who felt unseen or misunderstood.
Global Impact and Legacy
After its release, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki became a bestseller, translated into multiple languages and celebrated worldwide for its empathy and authenticity. The book reached international readers who connected with Baek’s candor and relatability, making her one of the most influential literary voices of her generation.
Critics and fans alike praised her for bridging the gap between literature and therapy, using her words to foster understanding and compassion. Beyond her writing, Baek became an advocate for mental health awareness, encouraging readers to seek help and embrace vulnerability.
Her untimely passing at just 35 leaves a profound void in the literary community, yet her influence endures. Through her memoir and its global impact, Baek Se-hee opened the door for more open, empathetic conversations about mental health — a legacy that will continue to save lives long after her own.
As readers mourn her death, they also celebrate the compassion that defined her final act — organ donation — a gesture that mirrors the selflessness and humanity found throughout her work.
Baek Se-hee’s story reminds the world that even in pain, there can be beauty, connection, and hope.
