Author Baek Sehee Cause of Death: What We Know After Her Passing at 35

Baek Sehee, the acclaimed South Korean author known for her bestselling memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35. She passed away on October 16, 2025, leaving behind a powerful legacy in mental health advocacy and literature. As of now, the specific cause of Baek Sehee’s death has not been disclosed by her family or publishers.

News of her death has deeply saddened readers worldwide. Baek’s candid exploration of depression and her ability to articulate complex emotions helped break taboos around mental health in South Korea and beyond. Her passing marks a significant loss in contemporary literature and mental health discourse.

Baek Sehee’s Cause of Death Remains Undisclosed

While official statements have confirmed Baek Sehee’s death, the cause has not been revealed. This has led to widespread speculation among fans and media, but her family has requested privacy during this time. According to local reports, Baek passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, in Seoul.

Despite the lack of public details about the circumstances of her death, Baek’s family shared that she had chosen to donate her vital organs — including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys — following her passing. This selfless act has already saved the lives of five people, a final gesture that reflects the empathy and compassion she often wrote about in her work.

Baek rose to prominence with the 2018 release of her memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, a deeply personal account of her struggle with dysthymia, a persistent form of depression. The book, structured around real therapy sessions, resonated with millions for its honesty and relatability. The English translation in 2022 brought her words to a global audience, cementing her status as a vital voice in mental health literature.

Her publisher and close associates praised Baek for her bravery in sharing her story, noting that she opened doors for conversations about mental illness in a society where such topics are often stigmatized. They emphasized that her words have inspired countless readers to seek help and embrace vulnerability.

Tributes and Global Impact of Baek Sehee’s Work

Tributes from readers, fellow writers, and mental health advocates have poured in since news of her death was announced. Many described Baek as a beacon of hope for those grappling with depression and self-doubt. Social media has been flooded with quotes from her book, often cited as a lifeline for people navigating their own mental health journeys.

Baek’s memoir not only shed light on her personal battles but also challenged cultural attitudes toward mental health in South Korea. Her work sparked public discussions and influenced a new wave of literature that approaches mental illness with openness and empathy. Critics and scholars have credited her with helping normalize therapy and emotional vulnerability in Korean society.

Her decision to become an organ donor adds another layer to her legacy. Friends and family said it was her wish to “continue giving life” even after her own ended — a sentiment that reflects the core message of her writing: that even amid despair, there is meaning and purpose to be found.

Though the cause of Baek Sehee’s death remains undisclosed, her influence endures. Through her writing, advocacy, and final act of generosity, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and heal people around the world.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Baek Sehee’s cause of death?

The cause of Baek Sehee’s death has not been disclosed. Her family and publisher have requested privacy and have not released details about the circumstances.

Q2: When did Baek Sehee pass away?

Baek Sehee passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 35.

Q3: What is Baek Sehee best known for?

She is best known for her bestselling memoir I Want to Die But I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which chronicles her struggle with depression and therapy sessions.

Q4: Did Baek Sehee donate her organs?

Yes. Following her death, Baek donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, saving the lives of five people.

Q5: How did Baek Sehee impact mental health conversations?

Her honest and deeply personal writing helped break stigma around mental health in South Korea and inspired global conversations about therapy and emotional well-being.