Baek Se-hee Death: I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Author Dies
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The acclaimed author,known for her candid exploration of depression,has passed away at 35,offering hope through organ donation.
Last updated: 2025/10/17 14:44:42
Overview
baek Se-hee, the author of the bestselling self-help memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, died on October 17, 2025, at the age of 35. Her passing was confirmed by the Korean organ donation agency, noting that she saved five lives through the donation of her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys.
Life and Work
Baek Se-hee gained international recognition with I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, originally published in Korea in 2018 and translated into English by Anton Hur in 2022 by Bloomsbury. The book details Baek’s therapeutic conversations with her psychiatrist regarding her dysthymia, a form of persistent depression, interwoven with insightful mini-essays.The book’s title reflects the author’s internal conflict – the desire for relief from suffering alongside the simple joys of life, symbolized by her favorite food, tteokbokki.
A sequel, I Want to Die but I still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, was published in the UK in 2023, continuing her exploration of mental health and offering further reflections on navigating life with depression.
Impact and Legacy
Anton Hur, the translator of Baek’s works, eloquently stated, “But her readers will know she touched yet millions of lives more with her writing.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact Baek Se-hee had on those struggling with mental health challenges. her willingness to openly discuss her experiences with dysthymia helped to destigmatize mental illness and provided a sense of community for readers who felt isolated.
The success of her book demonstrates a growing global awareness and acceptance of the importance of mental health. It also highlights the power of personal narratives in fostering empathy and understanding.
organ Donation
Baek Se-hee’s final act of generosity was donating her organs, saving the lives of five individuals.According to the Korea National Organ Donation Agency, her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys were successfully transplanted.This selfless act further exemplifies her commitment to helping others, even in death.
Understanding Dysthymia
Dysthymia, now often referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD), is a chronic form of depression characterized by long-term, low-grade depressive symptoms. Unlike Major Depressive Disorder, wich involves more severe episodes, dysthymia presents as a persistent state of sadness or low mood that lasts for at least two years in adults. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating.
| Condition | Major Depressive disorder | Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) |
|---|---|---|
| Severity | Severe episodes | chronic, low-grade symptoms |