Baek Se-hee: Remembering a Literary Voice and Advocate for Mental Health

Introduction: A Life Remembered

Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author behind the bestselling memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 35. Her sudden death shocked readers worldwide, as Baek had become a symbol of honesty, courage, and empathy through her writing. While the exact cause of her death has not been publicly revealed, her work continues to shine a light on mental health issues, inspiring countless people to seek help and talk openly about their struggles.


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Early Life and Path to Writing

Born in 1990, Baek Se-hee grew up in South Korea, where she developed a passion for reading and writing from a young age. She later studied creative writing, honing her skills to articulate emotions and experiences that are often difficult to express.

Her professional life began in the publishing world, where she worked for several years. During this time, she closely observed the stories people tell and the struggles many face silently. This understanding, combined with her personal experiences with dysthymia—a long-term, mild form of depression—formed the foundation for her memoirs.


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Memoir Success: Giving a Voice to Mental Health

In 2018, Baek Se-hee published I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, a memoir that quickly became a phenomenon. The book is presented as a series of therapy sessions, blending humor, reflection, and honesty. It explores her daily struggles with depression, offering readers a window into the complexities of mental health.

Her memoir was praised for being relatable, compassionate, and genuine. It has been translated into multiple languages, reaching millions of readers globally. The candid tone of her writing helped break stigmas surrounding mental health, especially in societies where such discussions are often limited or taboo.

In 2019, she published a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which continued her exploration of mental health and the small joys that make life meaningful. This work further established her as a leading voice advocating for understanding and empathy in mental health conversations.


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The Cause of Death: Respecting Privacy

Baek Se-hee’s passing left many fans seeking answers, but as of now, the specific cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed. Reports indicate she was declared brain dead and later passed away at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea—the same hospital where she was born.

Despite public curiosity, it is important to respect her privacy and focus on celebrating her life and contributions. Speculating about causes of death can often lead to misinformation and may be hurtful to her family and friends.


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A Legacy of Generosity

Even in her passing, Baek Se-hee demonstrated her compassion. She donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, saving the lives of five individuals. This final act reflects the kindness that defined both her personal life and professional ethos.

Her family expressed pride and love for her in public statements. Her sister, Baek Da-hee, said, “Knowing her kind heart that loved much and could not hate anyone, now rest comfortably in the sky. I love you so much.” Such words highlight the warmth and empathy Baek extended to those around her.


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Impact on Readers and the Mental Health Community

Baek Se-hee’s writings resonated far beyond the literary world. Her honest discussions about depression, therapy, and emotional struggle provided solace to people grappling with similar issues. Her work inspired readers to acknowledge their own mental health needs and encouraged open conversations about emotions and psychological wellbeing.

Her voice also highlighted the importance of seeking professional help and the power of journaling, self-reflection, and therapy as tools for coping with mental health challenges. Many fans credit her books with helping them feel less alone and more understood in their experiences.


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Conclusion: Honoring Her Life and Legacy

Baek Se-hee’s untimely death is a profound loss, but her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the conversations she sparked. Through her memoirs, she brought mental health issues into the public eye with honesty, empathy, and hope.

Rather than focusing solely on the cause of her death, it is meaningful to remember Baek for her courage, generosity, and ability to connect deeply with readers. Her work remains a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and speaking openly about mental health.

For fans and aspiring writers alike, Baek Se-hee’s life story is both inspiring and a call to continue the dialogue she so passionately advocated for. In celebrating her contributions, we honor not only her literary talents but also the kindness and humanity that defined her life.


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