Beloved Mental Health Author, Baek Se-hee, Dead at 35 — How This Young Author Changed Young Korean Lives
- lewishooper1
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The celebrated South Korean writer of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki passed unexpectedly, leaving fans in mourning. We cover how this young author was able to touch so many and the legacy she left behind.
Who was Baek Se-hee?
Baek Se-hee was born in 1990 in the Goyang area of Korea. When she was older, she studied creative writing and worked at a publishing company for five years, gaining her writing experience and connections.
In her personal life, however, it was not all upbeat roses, as she had struggles with her mental health in the form of depression.
Achievements
Baek Se-hee was a best-selling author, and thanks to her best-selling book, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, it broke cultural taboos by openly discussing depression and therapy, which is often hidden away in the conservative Korean culture.
This book was translated into 25 languages due to its amazing content, and it allowed readers to focus on the emotional journey and self-reflection when it comes to mental health.
Fan responses
Fans of the writer were quick to take to social media with heartfelt messages after hearing about her passing. Many fans expressed that her work helped them overcome their own depression or mental health problems, and that they were sad to hear that she had passed at such a young age, since she had a very bright future in front of her.
How did she pass?
Right now, there has been no public announcement on the cause of death; however, she sadly passed away on October 16, 2025, at the young age of 35. Her final act after passing was a kind act like no other. Baek Se-hee donated her organs in a bid to help save others' lives. This really goes to show the legacy that she will leave behind.
Final thoughts
The Dojeon team is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of such a talented young writer. We believe that the world was truly her oyster, and that she helped many young Koreans and people around the world overcome the challenges and shift the stigma when it comes to the taboo of mental health problems, especially as they are so often not spoken about. We hope her family and friends have time to grieve and that Baek Se-hee's talents and encouraging words live on to help others.
Did you read Baek Se-hee's book? If so, then we would love to hear your thoughts on it in the comments below.
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