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

South Korean author Baek Sehee has died at the age of 35. While the official cause of her death remains unconfirmed, her decision to donate her organs has prompted many to speculate about the circumstances surrounding her passing. Baek’s final act of generosity echoes the emotional themes explored in her acclaimed memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which resonated with readers around the globe.

Baek’s organ donation saved five lives, according to the Korean Organ Donation Agency. In a statement, her sister mentioned that Baek had always aimed to ‘share her heart with others through her work and to inspire hope.’ These words take on profound significance in light of her death, demonstrating her enduring commitment to helping others, even in her absence.

A Reflection of Her Life and Work

Many readers view Baek’s decision to donate her organs as a continuation of the themes she addressed in her memoir. The book, published in 2018, is based on transcripts of her therapy sessions and provides an intimate look at her struggles with dysthymia, a chronic form of depression. Despite her challenges, Baek found solace in simple pleasures, highlighted by her fondness for tteokbokki, a spicy Korean rice cake dish.

In her writing, she famously noted, ‘The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki, too.’ This poignant statement captures the duality of human experience, illustrating how pain can coexist with compassion and a desire to nurture others.

Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing at university and began her career in publishing before releasing her memoir. The book became a cultural phenomenon, selling over one million copies worldwide and being translated into 25 languages after the English edition was launched in 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing. She followed up with a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, in 2019, with its English version published earlier this year.

Tributes and Impact

Since the announcement of her death, tributes have poured in across social media. Translator Anton Hur, who brought Baek’s work to English-speaking audiences, 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 Baek’s honesty, noting how her work helped them feel less isolated in their own struggles.

For nearly a decade, Baek battled depression but transformed her experiences into narratives that opened essential discussions about mental health in South Korea—a subject often shrouded in silence. Her passing, along with her final act of generosity, has underscored the profound impact of vulnerability and kindness.

In light of Baek’s struggles and the challenges many face, mental health support remains critical. In the UK, individuals seeking help can contact Samaritans at 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258 for 24/7 confidential assistance. Additional resources include Mind at 0300 123 3393 for advice on mental health issues, and Papyrus HOPELINEUK at 0800 068 4141 for young people under 35. In emergencies, always call 999 or visit the nearest A&E.