South Korean author Baek Se-hee, best known for her bestselling essay collection “I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbokki“, is dead.
On October 17, the Korea Organ Donation Agency confirmed that Baek Se-hee had been declared brain dead on October 16 and had saved five lives through organ donation before her death.
According to the agency, Baek Se-hee donated her heart, lungs, liver and both kidneys. The specific cause that led to brain death was not revealed at the family’s request.
Born in 1990 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Baek Se-hee was the second of three daughters. She majored in Creative Writing at university and worked in the publishing industry for five years. During this time, he began psychiatric therapy to deal with long-term emotional conflicts.
Baek Se-hee was diagnosed with dysthymia, a mild but chronic form of depression. His recovery journey and conversations with his psychiatrist became the basis of his best-selling book “I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbokki.”
The book has resonated deeply with readers for its frank depiction of mental health issues and everyday life. It gained international recognition after BTS’s RM publicly recommended it, helping it sell over 600,000 copies in South Korea and be translated into 25 languages.
Following its success, Baek Se-hee released “I don’t think anyone will love you as much as I do” AND “I want to write, but I don’t want to.” He has also given lectures, concerts, and lectures, connecting directly with readers through open discussions about healing and mental well-being.
His passing has left fans and readers mourning a voice that encouraged empathy and openness about mental health – and his final act of organ donation represents an enduring expression of generosity.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
