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A poignant story of vulnerability and resilience has come to a close with the passing of Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author whose bestselling memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, resonated with readers worldwide. Baek,35,died this week,leaving behind a legacy of honest conversation around mental health and a profound impact on those grappling with feelings of anxiety and depression.
The Comfort of Tteokbokki: A Cultural Touchstone
For many South Koreans, tteokbokki – a beloved street food of sweet and spicy rice cakes – is more than just a snack; it’s a source of comfort and a cultural staple. It’s a dish enjoyed by students after school and adults after a long day’s work, a small joy in the everyday. This connection between simple pleasures and emotional wellbeing formed the powerful core of Baek’s acclaimed work.
A Book That Spoke to a Generation
Published in 2018, I Want to Die but I want to Eat Tteokbokki quickly became a phenomenon in South Korea, sparking widespread discussion and offering a rare level of candor about mental health struggles. The book’s title, both playful and deeply honest, promptly intrigued readers, many wondering about the profound connection between a desire for life and the simple pleasure of a favorite food.
The memoir chronicles Baek’s conversations with her psychiatrist as she navigated dysthymia – a persistent,mild form of depression – and anxiety. Rather than focusing on clinical definitions, Baek’s writing explored the everyday struggles many experience: overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, the pressure to succeed, and the difficulty of simply wanting to be nurtured and cared for,” she explained.
Addressing Stigma and Fostering Dialog
Baek’s work arrived at a critical moment in South Korea, a society still heavily influenced by Confucian values and where mental health issues often carry a meaningful stigma. Her book challenged the notion that social success is the sole measure of a fulfilling life, openly addressing the emotional challenges many face and encouraging readers to acknowledge their feelings as a crucial step toward healing.
Sangeun Lee, an elementary school teacher in Korea, noted the impact of social media on self-perception. “With the rise of social media, we’re exposed to other people’s lives too much, and it makes us increasingly critical of ourselves,” she said. “This book encouraged me to accept myself as I am.”
The book’s popularity has also spurred more people to seek professional help and brought mental health into broader public conversation, with figures like RM of BTS, the globally renowned K-pop group, sharing the book online.
Global Resonance and Literary Impact
I Want to Die but I want to Eat Tteokbokki has resonated far beyond South Korea, selling over a million copies worldwide and being translated into 25 languages, including a prosperous release in the UK with 100,000 copies sold within six months. It has notably struck a chord with young women and has expanded the reach of korean literature internationally.Seunghye Sun, director of the korean Cultural Center UK, highlighted the book’s significance, noting its resonance in a country with a rich history of psychoanalysis.
the paradoxical title “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” encapsulates a basic human truth: even in moments of deep despair, people often find the strength to carry on through small joys. For Baek Se-hee, that joy was tteokbokki, a reminder that even the simplest pleasures in daily life can become a sustaining force.
If you are struggling with similar issues,support and information are available. In the UK, visit the BBC Action Line. If you are outside of the UK, you can visit the Befrienders website.
