South Korean writer Baek Se Hee died on October 16–17, 2025, at the age of 35, leaving behind a legacy of literary courage and mental health advocacy. Her passing shocked fans in the U.S. and across the world, with tributes pouring in for the author known for blending memoir, therapy, and raw emotional honesty.
A Brief Profile: Who Was Baek Se Hee
Baek Se Hee (born 1990) was a writer and essayist who first gained broad attention with her memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki. In that work, she documented her conversations with a psychiatrist over 12 weeks, confronting chronic depression (dysthymia) with candid reflection.
Her unique voice resonated internationally: her memoir has been translated into over 25 languages and sold more than one million copies globally.
She later published a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, continuing her introspective work on mental health struggles.
In her personal life, Baek studied creative writing and spent roughly five years in publishing before emerging as a public voice on depression and therapy.
Confirmed Circumstances & Organ Donation
While the exact cause of death has not been revealed, it is confirmed that Baek Se Hee’s organs were donated. Her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys went on to save five lives.
The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency expressed gratitude for her final act of kindness, framing it as consistent with her life’s mission to comfort others.
Her sister, Baek Da-hee, released a statement describing Baek as gentle and hopeful, and expressed her wish that Baek rest peacefully.
Global Reaction & Impact
In the U.S., readers responded with shock and grief, particularly on social media platforms and among mental health discussion communities. Anton Hur, who translated Baek’s works into English, posted tributes emphasizing how her voice reached millions.
Literary commentators highlighted Baek Se Hee’s influence in destigmatizing discussions around therapy and emotional vulnerability, especially within South Korea’s traditionally reserved culture.
Many U.S.-based readers discovered her work in the last few years and found in it a mirror for their own struggles—a phenomenon that deepened during periods of global stress and mental health awareness.
Why Baek Se Hee’s Story Resonates Internationally
- Therapy as narrative structure: She transformed internal struggle into accessible dialogue, capturing emotional shifts in real time.
- Paradox of desire and despair: Her title I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki encapsulates the tension between wanting escape and clinging to life’s small pleasures.
- Bridging cultural mental health gaps: Her work contributed to cross-cultural visibility of depression, especially in societies where mental health remains stigmatized.
- Inspired community conversations: Her readers often shared how her words gave permission to speak openly, seek therapy, or feel less isolated.
Timeline: Key Events
| Date / Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Baek Se Hee is born |
| 2018 | Releases I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki in Korea |
| Circa 2019 | Sequel I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki published in Korean |
| 2022 | English translation of her first memoir is published |
| 2024 | English translation of sequel released |
| Oct 16–17, 2025 | Baek Se Hee passes away (exact date unconfirmed) |
| Shortly after | Her organs donated, saving five lives |
Questions Unanswered
- The cause of death remains undisclosed. No official public statement has clarified whether it was natural causes or otherwise.
- The exact date and time of her passing has also not been confirmed publicly.
- Whether she left unfinished manuscripts or writings has not been reported yet.
What Baek Se Hee Leaves Behind
Although she died young, Baek Se Hee’s writing continues to live. Her books remain in print, her translations continue to draw new readers, and her example will likely inspire future writers to combine vulnerability with craft.
Her influence underscores that a deeply personal voice can bridge cultural and linguistic barriers.
The global literary and mental health communities mourn her absence and celebrate her legacy.
Baek Se Hee’s death is a profound loss. Her words remain—and I hope they continue to comfort readers who feel seen. Please feel free to comment below or revisit this article for updates.