October 17, 2025 | 01:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korean author Baek Se-Hee has passed away at the age of 35. While details regarding the cause of death and funeral arrangements have not yet been disclosed, the news has deeply saddened many of her readers and admirers.
Despite her passing, Baek Se-Hee made a profound act of generosity by donating five of her organs. Citing the Korea Organ Donation Agency, The Korea Herald reported that she donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. This donation took place at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital in Gyeonggi Province, just north of Seoul, the very hospital where she was born.
Baek Se-hee first rose to prominence in 2018 with her best-selling memoir, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki. She quickly became a powerful voice in discussions about depression and mental health in South Korea. Written based on transcripts of her own psychiatric sessions, the memoir resonated widely for its honest and unfiltered portrayal of navigating emotional vulnerability, while also confronting the cultural taboos around mental illness in the country.
The book's international success has led to its translation and publication in more than 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain. Baek later released a sequel, I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, continuing her candid exploration of the long journey toward healing, self-image, and emotional complexity.
Editor's Note:
Please do not underestimate depression. For assistance with mental health crises or suicide prevention, the Jakarta Health Office provides free psychologists for residents who want to consult about mental health. There are 23 free consultation locations at Jakarta health centers and can be accessed by participants of the Health Social Security Administration.
Consultations can also be done online via the page https://sahabatjiwa-dinkes.jakarta.go.id. In addition, follow-up consultations can be scheduled with psychologists at health centers if needed.
In addition to contacting the Jakarta Health Office, you can contact the following institutions for consultations.
Pulih Foundation: (021) 78842580
Ministry of Health Mental Health Hotline: (021) 500454
NGO Don't Kill Yourself: (021) 9696 9293
Editor’s Choice: Inside Korea's Chuseok Tradition: Ritual, Clothing, and Family Gift
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Why Does South Korea Issue "Code-Black" Travel Ban on Parts of Cambodia?
3 jam lalu
The South Korean government has imposed a travel ban in Cambodia and sent a team to evacuate its citizens from online scam compounds.
Cambodian Police Arrest 3 Chinese Nationals for Murder of South Korean Student
5 jam lalu
Cambodian police have detained three Chinese citizens for alleged online scam-related killing of a South Korean student.
South Korea Bans Travel to Cambodia Over Scam Centers
1 hari lalu
Seoul has said 1,000 South Koreans are working at online scam compounds in Cambodia that target victims globally.
South Korean PM Condemns Anti-Tourist Protests Ahead of APEC Summit
1 hari lalu
South Korean PM Kim Min-seok calls for decisive action against all forms of hate speech and discrimination towards foreign tourists ahead of the APEC Summit
Indonesia Highlights South Korea's Role in Supporting Economic Transformation Ahead of APEC 2025
1 hari lalu
Ahead of the APEC 2025 Summit, the Indonesian government highlights South Korea's role in supporting the strategy of economic transformation.
South Korea Readies to Facilitate US-China Dialogue at APEC Summit 2025
1 hari lalu
One of South Korea's main agendas at the APEC 2025 Summit in Gyeongju is to facilitate a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Indonesian Parliament Push to Amend Book System Law Over Low Author Fees
5 hari lalu
Commission XIII Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR), Willy Aditya, highlighted the low honorarium for book authors.
South Korea's Ulsan HD Fires Shin Tae-yong After String of Poor Performances
6 hari lalu
Under Shin Tae-yong, Ulsan only managed to secure two victories out of ten matches in all competitions.
6 Things to Do in Seoul During Chuseok Holiday
8 hari lalu
A German traveler living in Korea shared Chuseok activity tips on her blog. Here are some highlights for those spending the holiday in Seoul.
3 Must-Do Experiences for Travelers in Korea's Autumn Season
8 hari lalu
From golden forests and glowing festivals to hearty seasonal dishes, autumn in Korea offers an immersive experience that delights all senses.
