South Korean Author Baek Se-hee, Known for Mental Health Writings, Dies at 35
South Korean author Baek Se-hee, known for her impactful writings on mental health, has passed away at the age of 35. The Korea Organ Donation Agency confirmed her death, highlighting that Baek saved five lives through organ donations, including her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys at the National Health Insurance Service Islan Hospital in South Korea. The circumstances surrounding her death remain undisclosed.
Influential Works on Mental Health
Baek gained widespread recognition with her memoir, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” published in 2018. This bestselling book chronicles her personal struggles with depression and anxiety through dialogues with her psychiatrist over twelve weeks.
She accompanied these discussions with reflective essays that profoundly resonate with many readers, shedding light on the harmful behaviors she faced. In 2019, Baek released a sequel titled “I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” which reflects her ongoing journey toward finding contentment.
Legacy and Impact
- Baek’s works have initiated critical conversations about mental health.
- Her writing addressed dysthymia, a condition characterized by chronic low-level depression.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 1.5% of U.S. adults experienced dysthymia in the past year.
The publishing company Bloomsbury, representing Baek, expressed their condolences through a statement emphasizing her vulnerability and willingness to connect through her writing. Her editor noted that her stories encouraged readers to engage and discuss mental health openly.
Translator Anton Hur praised Baek’s impact, stating she touched millions of lives with her words. Her legacy continues through her writings, which remain a source of comfort and consolation for many.
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you know is facing a mental health crisis, please reach out for help. You can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. For additional support, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
