For many in South Korea, tteokbokki isn’t just a snack; it’s comfort food. This sweet and spicy dish made from chewy rice cakes is a favorite among young and old alike. After a long day at school or work, it’s the go-to dish that soothes the soul.
When Baek Se-hee titled her 2018 book I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, it stirred up curiosity. Many wondered what prompted someone to write such a title. The book quickly gained popularity, becoming a bestseller across Korea. Unfortunately, Baek passed away recently at the age of 35. Details of her death are still unclear, but it is known that she generously donated her organs, saving five lives.
Her book deeply resonated with readers. On social media, fans poured out their tributes, sharing how her words touched their lives. I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki is filled with Baek’s conversations with her psychiatrist about her struggles with mild depression and anxiety. Unlike clinical depression, she addresses feelings many people can relate to, like self-doubt and anxiety about how others perceive us.
Baek’s honesty made her story powerful. She captured the complexity of living with sadness while still wanting to carry on. Just as tteokbokki brings comfort on tough days, her writing offers warmth and understanding, reminding us that vulnerability can be a source of strength.
Young Voices
Many young South Koreans find comfort in Baek’s message. Jo Eun Bit, a 25-year-old student, noted how the book challenges societal standards. It encourages readers to embrace their uniqueness. “It’s okay not to be perfect,” she said. In a competitive society, this message provides reassurance that it’s normal to struggle.
Another reader, Sangeun Lee, a school teacher, mentioned the pressure that comes from social media. “Seeing others’ lives can make us overly critical of ourselves,” she explained. Yet, Baek’s story helped her accept her imperfections.
Opening Up Conversations
Baek’s work has sparked vital conversations about mental health in South Korea, a topic often taboo in nature. Her openness about her struggles has encouraged others to seek help. The global reach of her book is astonishing; it has sold over one million copies and has been translated into 25 languages. Even BTS’s RM has promoted it, connecting with the book’s themes of self-love and acceptance.
Marianna Szucs, a teacher in London, shared her sadness at Baek’s passing, remarking, “If you feel depressed, you’re not alone.” Many readers found pieces of their lives reflected in Baek’s experiences, making her work relatable on a broad scale.
The impact of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki reaches beyond South Korea, touching hearts worldwide. The title itself speaks volumes. It captures the struggle between despair and the little joys that can spark hope. For Baek, it was the joy of tteokbokki that fueled her will to live, reminding us all that life’s simple pleasures can be a source of strength.
This ongoing conversation about mental health is crucial, especially among younger generations. In a world filled with pressures, Baek’s memoir offers a compassionate reminder: it’s okay to be imperfect, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
For more resources on mental health support, you can explore the BBC Action Line for information.
