Baek Sehee’s Legacy: Celebrated Author’s Life, Death, and Lasting Impact

When news broke on October 17, 2025, that Baek Sehee, the South Korean author whose honest voice resonated far beyond her homeland, had died at just 35, a wave of sadness swept through literary circles and among readers worldwide. Baek’s memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, published in 2018, wasn’t just another book—it was a phenomenon. It offered an unfiltered look into depression, therapy, and the everyday search for meaning, creating a space where vulnerability was not only accepted but embraced.

Baek’s passing was confirmed by the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency, which announced that she had donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. In a final act of generosity, these organs saved five lives, a testament to the compassion that ran through both her work and her personal life (BBC, UPI). The agency’s director, Lee Sam-yeol, described Baek as “a star in the sky,” emphasizing the transformative effect of her decision. The details surrounding her death—its cause and exact timing—remain private, a choice respected by both family and officials.

From Silent Struggle to Literary Phenomenon

Born in 1990 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Baek was the second of three daughters. She studied creative writing at university, a discipline that would later become her lifeline. After graduation, she spent five years at a publishing company. It was during these years that Baek was diagnosed with dysthymia—a mild yet persistent form of depression. Seeking therapy, she began documenting her sessions, eventually transforming her personal battles into public conversation.

Her first book, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, captured real dialogues with her psychiatrist, offering readers a rare window into the therapeutic process. The memoir’s title itself became a cultural catchphrase in Korea, reflecting a paradox familiar to many: the coexistence of despair and everyday pleasures. The English translation, published in 2022, broadened Baek’s reach, helping her story resonate with people who might never have encountered Korean literature otherwise.

Global Resonance: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health

Baek’s openness about her diagnosis and treatment challenged social stigmas, especially in a country where mental health often remains taboo. By detailing her therapy sessions, she not only normalized seeking help but also inspired countless readers to confront their own struggles. Her writing didn’t offer easy answers; instead, it painted depression in honest hues—sometimes gray, sometimes hopeful, but always human.

Her influence rippled across borders. Readers around the world found solace in her words, recognizing echoes of their own experiences. The memoir became an international bestseller, and Baek followed it with a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, published in 2019. These works, alongside collaborations like No One Will Ever Love You as Much as I Do (2021) and I Want to Write, I Don’t Want to Write (2022), expanded her literary footprint and diversified the mental health discourse.

Family, Grief, and the Meaning of Legacy

In the days following her death, tributes poured in from fans, mental health advocates, and fellow writers. Her younger sister, Baek Da-hee, offered a poignant glimpse into the author’s character: “My sister, whom I loved most, wanted to write, to connect with hearts through writing and to nurture dreams and hopes.” She added, “Knowing her kind heart that loved so much and could not hate anyone, I hope she can now rest peacefully in heaven. I love you so much.”

For Baek’s family, the loss is deeply personal, but the outpouring of love from readers and the lives saved through organ donation have provided some comfort. Lee Sam-yeol, director of the organ donation agency, reflected on Baek’s legacy: “The love Baek shared at the end of her life—after offering comfort and hope through her heartfelt writing—has become a miracle that gives life to others.”

The Cultural Conversation Continues

Baek’s death is a reminder of the fragility of life, but also of the power of words. Her willingness to lay bare her vulnerabilities redefined what it means to be an author in the modern era. In Korea, where the pressure to maintain social harmony often leads to silence about personal pain, Baek stood apart. Her books prompted discussions about mental health at dinner tables, in classrooms, and across social media.

Her story is far from finished. Readers, clinicians, and advocates continue to reference her work in efforts to destigmatize mental illness and promote empathy. The global success of her memoirs has inspired a new generation of writers to explore uncomfortable truths, reminding us that literature can be a lifeline—and sometimes, a catalyst for change.

As tributes continue, one question remains: What does it mean to live honestly, and to leave behind a legacy that uplifts others? For Baek Sehee, the answer is inscribed in the lives she touched, the hearts she opened, and the hope she inspired—both in print and in her final act of giving.

Baek Sehee’s story underscores the enduring influence of honest storytelling. Her candid exploration of depression helped reshape the dialogue around mental health in Korea and beyond. In life and in death, Baek’s compassion continues to ripple outward—reminding us that vulnerability, when shared, can save lives.