South Korean author Baek Se-hee, renowned for her impactful work, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” has passed away at the age of 35. Reports indicate that Baek was declared brain-dead and died at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, where she donated multiple organs, potentially saving five lives.
In a heartfelt message shared through the Korea Organ Donation Agency, her younger sibling fondly remembered Baek as a loving and gentle person. The note expressed deep love and admiration, stating, “Older sister, who shared hearts with people through writing. Knowing your kind heart that loved much and could not hate anyone, now rest comfortably in the sky. I love you so much.”
Baek, born in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, was the second of three daughters. She was a passionate reader from a young age and pursued creative writing at university, culminating in a five-year career in publishing. Her memoir, in which she chronicled her struggles with depression and counselling, struck a chord with many, offering solace and understanding to readers in South Korea and beyond.
Her legacy continues through her generous organ donations, providing hope and new beginnings for those in need, showcasing a profound act of compassion even in her final moments. Baek Se-hee’s contributions to literature and the impact of her story will resonate long after her passing, inspiring countless individuals.