In Loving Memory: Baek Se-hee (1990–2025)
It is with deep sorrow that we share news of the passing of Baek Se-hee, a renowned South Korean author whose candid writing about mental health touched countless lives. She passed away at the age of 35.
Baek was widely celebrated for her memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, a work that combined personal reflection, therapy dialogue, and self-help insight. Through this book, she opened a window into her decade-long experience living with dysthymia (persistent depression), and her honest voice provided solace and connection to readers navigating their own emotional journeys.
She originally shared therapy notes and reflections on a blog, which resonated with many and inspired her to publish a book that went on to become a bestseller, gaining international traction and translations across multiple languages. Through her writing, Baek did more than tell her own story; she helped give others language to experiences often left unspoken.
In an extraordinary final act of generosity, Baek gifted life after death by donating her organs. Her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys are reported to have saved five lives. Her family confirmed her sacrifice and asked for respect for their privacy during this time of grief.
Baek is survived by her parents and two sisters, who remember her as a gentle, empathetic soul who wished deeply to connect with others. Her work, her voice, and the vulnerability she shared will continue to live in the hearts of readers worldwide.
May Baek Se-hee rest in peace. May her memory remain a beacon of empathy, courage, and the ongoing conversation about mental health, healing, and human connection.
