Baek Sehee Cause of Death: What We Know About the Author’s Passing at 35

South Korean author Baek Sehee, celebrated worldwide for her memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35. The news was confirmed by the Korea Organ Donation Agency, which revealed that Baek saved five lives by donating her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The exact cause of her death has not been disclosed, leaving many fans mourning and seeking answers.

Baek’s passing has deeply impacted readers around the globe, many of whom found solace in her honest portrayal of mental health struggles. Her work shed light on dysthymia, a persistent but mild form of depression, and helped break down stigmas around mental illness in South Korea and beyond.

Baek Sehee’s Life, Struggles, and Legacy

Born in 1990, Baek studied creative writing and worked in publishing before rising to prominence as an author. Her first memoir, published in 2018, was based on 12 weeks of conversations with her psychiatrist, combined with personal reflections on self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional resilience. The book quickly became a bestseller in South Korea and was later translated into more than 25 languages.

The title, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, captures the paradox of living with depression while still finding reasons to continue — even small ones, like enjoying a comforting dish. Baek described everyday struggles with overthinking, self-criticism, and societal pressure, experiences that resonated especially with younger generations navigating similar challenges.

Her openness about dysthymia helped many readers recognize symptoms such as chronic sadness, low self-esteem, difficulty concentrating, and hopelessness. According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, about 2% of adults worldwide experience dysthymia, which is typically treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

Following the success of her debut, Baek released a sequel in 2019, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, exploring her continued journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Both works contributed significantly to public conversations about mental health, inspiring many to seek professional help.

Tributes Pour In for a Writer Who Spoke for a Generation

News of Baek’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media. Readers shared personal stories of how her words offered comfort during their darkest moments. Public figures also expressed their condolences; RM of BTS, known for promoting self-love through music, previously shared her book online, highlighting its impact.

Sangeun Lee, a teacher in Seoul, said the book encouraged her to embrace imperfection. “Being imperfect is natural for everyone,” she told the BBC. “This book helped me accept myself as I am.”

Baek’s influence extended far beyond South Korea. In the UK, her memoir sold over 100,000 copies within six months of its release, and critics praised it for broadening the reach of Korean literature. Seunghye Sun of the Korean Cultural Centre UK described Baek’s work as “highly symbolic,” connecting deeply with global audiences.

Even in death, Baek left a powerful legacy through organ donation. She was declared brain-dead on October 16 at the same hospital where she was born, and her decision to donate gave five people a second chance at life. Her final act of generosity reflected the compassion and empathy that defined her writing.

Baek Sehee’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for literature and mental health advocacy. While the cause of death remains undisclosed, her work continues to comfort millions, reminding us that even small joys — like a bowl of tteokbokki — can give life meaning.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is known about Baek Sehee’s cause of death?

The exact cause of Baek Sehee’s death has not been revealed. She was declared brain-dead on October 16, and officials confirmed her organ donation saved five lives.

Q2: What did Baek Sehee write about in her book?

Her memoir captures therapy conversations and reflections on living with dysthymia, exploring self-doubt, anxiety, and the paradox of wanting to live despite sadness.

Q3: How many copies of her book were sold?

The book sold around 600,000 copies in South Korea and over 1 million copies worldwide. It has been translated into more than 25 languages.

Q4: What is dysthymia?

Dysthymia, or persistent depressive disorder, is a mild but long-lasting form of depression. Symptoms include chronic sadness, low energy, hopelessness, and low self-esteem.

Q5: What is Baek Sehee’s legacy?

She broke taboos around mental health in South Korea and inspired global readers. Through her writing and organ donation, she left a lasting impact on countless lives.