South Korean Author Baek Sehee Passes Away at 35, Leaves Legacy

South Korean author Baek Sehee has died at the age of 35, leaving behind a profound cultural impact through her writing. Although the official cause of her death has not been confirmed, her decision to donate her organs has led many to speculate that her passing was intentional. This act echoes the emotional complexity she explored in her acclaimed memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.

Baek’s organ donation included her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which successfully saved five lives, as stated by the Korean Organ Donation Agency. In a poignant statement, her sister noted that Baek wished to “share her heart with others through her work and to inspire hope.” This sentiment highlights Baek’s enduring legacy, suggesting her final act was a continuation of the compassion she expressed throughout her life.

Exploring Mental Health Through Literature

Published in 2018, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki quickly resonated with readers worldwide, selling over one million copies and being translated into 25 languages. The memoir is based on transcripts from Baek’s therapy sessions, where she candidly detailed her struggles with dysthymia, a long-term form of depression. She poignantly conveyed the paradox of wanting to end her life while simultaneously seeking joy in simple pleasures, such as her affection for the popular Korean snack, tteokbokki.

Her famous line, “The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki, too,” encapsulates this duality. Many readers now see her organ donation as a reflection of this same contradiction, marking a profound connection between her life and her literary themes.

A Legacy of Honesty and Vulnerability

Born in 1990, Baek pursued a degree in creative writing and later worked in publishing before her breakthrough with her memoir. Following its success, she released a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, in 2019, with the English edition published in 2023. Since the announcement of her death, tributes have poured in across social media.

Translator Anton Hur, who translated Baek’s work into English, remarked that while her donated organs saved five individuals, “her readers will know she touched yet millions of lives more with her writing.” Fans have expressed their gratitude for her honesty, stating that her words helped them feel less isolated in their own struggles.

Baek’s experiences brought much-needed attention to mental health issues in South Korea, a topic frequently shrouded in stigma. Her passing, coupled with her final act of generosity, serves as a reminder of the courage found in vulnerability and the profound impact of kindness.

For those in the UK seeking mental health support, resources are available. The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential assistance. Additionally, Mind offers advice at 0300 123 3393, while CALM provides crisis support. Young people under 35 can contact Papyrus HOPELINEUK at 0800 068 4141. In emergencies, it is crucial to call 999 or visit the nearest Accident & Emergency department.