In recent years, Baek Sehee has become a name that resonates deeply with readers around the world. Her honest reflections on mental health, loneliness, and healing have made her one of South Korea’s most influential contemporary authors. Known best for her breakout book “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki,” Baek Sehee has transformed personal pain into powerful storytelling that continues to touch millions.
As mental health awareness grows globally, her work has gained renewed attention in 2025, trending across Google searches, TikTok, and book discussion forums. Let’s take a closer look at who Baek Sehee is, her life journey, and why her words continue to strike such a universal chord.
Who Is Baek Sehee?
Baek Sehee is a South Korean writer and former social media manager who rose to international fame after publishing her semi-autobiographical book, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.” Born in South Korea in 1990, Baek Sehee began her career in the media industry before turning to writing as a form of therapy and self-expression.
Her writing is deeply introspective, often exploring the themes of depression, anxiety, and identity. What makes her work unique is its conversational tone — honest, raw, and unfiltered — mirroring real-life therapy sessions that many readers find relatable.
The Book That Started a Global Conversation
Published in 2018, “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” quickly became a bestseller in South Korea and later spread internationally after being translated into multiple languages, including English. The title itself sparked curiosity — a mix of despair and comfort, symbolizing the conflict between wanting to give up and still finding joy in small things.
The book is structured as a series of dialogues between Baek and her psychiatrist, offering a rare, unguarded look into therapy and the complexities of mental illness. Rather than offering solutions, Baek’s words provide companionship — a voice that says, “You’re not alone.”
Baek Sehee’s Writing Style and Message
Baek’s storytelling is often described as gentle but piercing, blending vulnerability with subtle humor. She writes not as an expert, but as someone still figuring things out — which is why her readers feel so seen.
Her message centers around self-acceptance and emotional honesty, encouraging people to talk about their struggles without shame. In a culture where mental health conversations are often stigmatized, Baek’s courage to write openly has helped shift attitudes, particularly among younger generations.
Rising Global Popularity and Cultural Impact
By 2025, Baek Sehee’s work has transcended language and geography. Her book became a TikTok sensation, with the hashtag #IWantToDieButIWantToEatTteokbokki gaining millions of views. Readers around the world share quotes, journal reflections, and even tattoos inspired by her words.
Her storytelling resonates especially with Gen Z and millennials, who see her as a voice of emotional truth in a world that often demands perfection.
Beyond her writing, Baek Sehee has been featured in major interviews, literary festivals, and mental health awareness campaigns. She’s now considered a leading voice in contemporary Korean literature, alongside other influential writers like Han Kang and Cho Nam-joo.
Baek Sehee’s Influence on Mental Health Awareness
One of the reasons Baek Sehee’s popularity continues to grow is her role in normalizing therapy and self-care. Her book doesn’t glorify pain but instead shows how small acts — eating your favorite meal, taking a walk, asking for help — can become radical forms of self-preservation.
She reminds readers that healing is not a straight path, but a process. Her story has encouraged many to seek therapy or talk openly about depression for the first time.
What’s Next for Baek Sehee in 2025?
As of 2025, Baek Sehee is reportedly working on her second major project, which explores the aftermath of healing — what happens after therapy ends and life begins again. While details are still under wraps, fans are eagerly anticipating another heartfelt exploration of everyday emotions and self-discovery.
Her voice remains relevant as discussions around mental wellness, burnout, and identity continue to dominate global conversations. Whether through books, interviews, or digital platforms, Baek Sehee continues to use her platform for empathy and connection.
Quick Facts About Baek Sehee
| Category | Details (As of 2025) |
| Full Name | Baek Sehee |
| Born | 1990, South Korea |
| Age | 35 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Occupation | Author, Writer |
| Famous For | I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki |
| Languages | Korean (translated into 20+ languages) |
| Genre | Memoir, Non-fiction, Mental Health |
| Trending Keywords | baek sehee book, korean writer baek sehee, baek sehee biography, i want to die but i want to eat tteokbokki author, mental health korean authors |
Conclusion: Why Baek Sehee’s Story Matters
Baek Sehee’s impact goes far beyond literature — she represents a cultural and emotional shift toward openness and vulnerability. Her honesty has helped countless readers find words for feelings they couldn’t name.
In an age where curated perfection dominates social media, Baek’s quiet realism feels revolutionary. She reminds us that it’s okay to be fragile, uncertain, or healing — as long as we keep going, one small moment (or plate of tteokbokki) at a time.
