Korean author Baek Sehee passes away, donates organs

Bestselling South Korean author Baek Sehee has passed away at the age of 35, The Korea Herald reports. 

Details on the cause of death and funeral arrangements have not yet been disclosed, as those close to her collaborate with authorities to finalize proceedings.

As stated by the Korea Organ Donation Agency, Baek helped save five lives by donating her heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

Baek rose to prominence with her 2018 debut novel, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki (죽고 싶지만 떡볶이는 먹고 싶어), a candid collection of therapy session transcripts and personal reflections. The book struck a chord with millennials and Gen Z readers navigating anxiety, depression and emotional burnout in an achievement-driven society. It became a bestseller in Korea and was later translated into multiple languages, including English, Japanese and French.

She followed up with a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, which continued her exploration of emotional complexity, self-image, and the long road of healing. Her writing style — plainspoken yet emotionally resonant — helped destigmatize mental health conversations in Korea, where such topics had long remained taboo.