South Korean Author Baek Se-hee, Known for Candid Memoir on Depression, Dies at 34
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – October 18, 2024, 09:15 KST – Baek Se-hee, the acclaimed South Korean author whose deeply personal memoir, I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, resonated with readers worldwide-including a growing Lithuanian audience-has died, according to reports confirmed by translator Anton Hur. She was 34 years old. While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, Baek had openly documented her decade-long battle with distimia, a chronic form of mild depression, which formed the core of her bestselling work.
The book, initially published in Korean in 2019 and translated into English in 2024, struck a chord with millions grappling with mental health challenges.Its poignant title-“Even when you want to die, your heart often desires tteokbokki”-became a widely quoted expression of the complex coexistence of despair and everyday joys. Baek’s writing offered a raw and relatable portrayal of living with depression, providing solace and validation to readers. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and gratitude online, with fans sharing how her words offered a lifeline.
Born in 1990, Baek Se-hee studied creative writing at university and spent five years working in the publishing industry, according to a biography released by Bloomsbury Publishing, which handled the English-language edition of her memoir. Her work quickly gained recognition for its honesty and vulnerability, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary Korean literature.
Hur revealed on his Instagram account that Baek’s organs were donated after her death, saving the lives of five individuals. He added that,beyond this tangible impact,”her readers know that she touched millions of lives with her book.”
I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki has seen increasing popularity internationally, with a notable rise in readership in Lithuania, where the book’s themes of loneliness and the search for meaning have resonated deeply. The memoir’s accessibility and unflinching honesty have sparked conversations about mental health awareness and destigmatization in the country.
Baek Se-hee leaves behind a literary legacy that continues to offer comfort and understanding to those navigating the complexities of mental illness. Her family’s privacy is requested during this difficult time.
