Introduction
The literary world is mourning the loss of Baek Se-hee, the acclaimed South Korean writer whose honest and emotional memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki touched millions of readers around the world. The author’s work, which explored the deep struggles of living with depression and self-acceptance, became a cultural touchstone for a generation learning to speak openly about mental health.
In the past 24 hours, “Baek Se-hee” has become one of the most-searched names on Google, as fans across continents seek to honor her memory and reflect on her impact.
Who Was Baek Se-hee?
Baek Se-hee (백세희) was a South Korean writer, editor, and mental-health advocate. Before becoming an author, she worked in the publishing industry, helping other writers share their voices.
Her debut book, I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, was released in South Korea in 2018 and quickly became a bestseller. The title’s raw honesty and relatability struck a chord with young people who were quietly struggling with mental-health issues, societal pressure, and the desire to find meaning in everyday life.
Translated into multiple languages — including English, Japanese, and French — the book reached a truly global audience by 2022.
About Her Bestseller: “I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki”
The memoir’s unusual title immediately captured attention. It refers to a conversation between Baek Se-hee and her therapist, where she expressed the conflicting emotions of wanting to give up on life yet still craving the small comforts that make life worth living — like eating tteokbokki, a popular Korean spicy rice-cake dish.
The book is structured as a series of therapy sessions, blending real-life dialogue with personal reflections. Its open, diary-like style made readers feel seen and understood — especially those struggling with anxiety and depression.
Over time, it became more than just a book; it became a movement for emotional honesty in Korea’s highly competitive and image-focused society.
Global Reach and Cultural Impact
Baek Se-hee’s writing resonated deeply across Asia, Europe, and North America. When the English translation was published by Bloomsbury in 2022, it topped charts in the UK, U.S., and Canada.
Celebrities, mental-health advocates, and book clubs praised the memoir for breaking cultural barriers around discussing depression. On TikTok, excerpts and quotes from the book went viral, especially lines like:
“I want to live, but I don’t know how.”
“Even when I hate myself, I still crave warmth.”
For many readers, Baek Se-hee’s honesty became a lifeline — a reminder that feeling conflicted doesn’t mean being broken.
Tributes Pour In
Since the news of her passing broke, fans and fellow authors have been sharing tributes across social media platforms. The hashtags #BaekSeHee and #
Messages include heartfelt words such as:
“Her words saved lives.”
“Baek Se-hee made it okay for us to talk about pain.”
“Thank you for giving us comfort when we felt alone.”
Publishers, bookstores, and universities have also expressed condolences, calling her legacy “a gift to the world.”
Her Contribution to Mental-Health Awareness
Baek Se-hee’s greatest legacy lies in how she changed the conversation around mental health in South Korea and abroad.
- Before her, open discussions of therapy and depression were often seen as taboo.
- Her book humanized these struggles, making therapy and vulnerability feel normal.
- Many Korean schools and workplaces even used her writings in discussions on emotional well-being.
In interviews, she often said she didn’t want to be a “hero” — she just wanted to be honest. That honesty became her greatest strength.
Readers Around the World Respond
Bookstores across Asia and Europe have reported a sudden rise in sales of Baek Se-hee’s works in the last 24 hours. Online communities, especially on Reddit and TikTok, are filled with readers sharing how her words helped them navigate difficult times.
One reader wrote:
“Her book was the first time I saw my feelings reflected in someone else’s story.”
Another shared:
“It made me realize that healing isn’t linear — and that it’s okay to keep going, one day at a time.”
The Meaning Behind Her Writing
Baek Se-hee’s approach to storytelling was simple yet profound — she believed in writing the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it felt. She once said:
“When I started therapy, I didn’t want to hide anymore. I wanted to know why I felt this way.”
This vulnerability connected her to readers who also felt isolated or misunderstood. Her voice — quiet, introspective, and deeply human — helped millions embrace imperfection and emotional growth.
Legacy and Influence
Even though Baek Se-hee’s time with us was brief, her influence will endure. Her words have entered classrooms, libraries, therapy sessions, and online discussions.
Her writing inspired a wave of young Asian authors to explore topics like anxiety, loneliness, and self-acceptance. Several modern Korean writers credit her for showing that stories about mental health can also be bestsellers.
Conclusion
Baek Se-hee may be gone, but her words continue to comfort and inspire millions. Her ability to turn pain into poetry and sadness into solidarity has left a permanent mark on literature and mental-health advocacy.
As readers revisit her stories, one truth stands out — even in life’s darkest moments, simple joys like eating tteokbokki, talking with a friend, or reading a book can keep us going.
Her story reminds us that being honest about pain is a form of courage, and through that honesty, healing becomes possible.