South Korean Author Baek Se-hee, 35, Passes Away, Donates Organs

BREAKING: South Korean author Baek Se-hee has tragically passed away at the age of 35, confirmed by the Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency earlier today. Baek, renowned for her poignant memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and hope.

The agency revealed that Baek made the ultimate sacrifice by donating her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys, saving a total of five lives. In a heartfelt statement, director Lee Sam-yeol described Baek as “a star in the sky,” expressing gratitude for her extraordinary gift of life. The exact cause and timing of her death remain undisclosed.

Baek’s family shared their profound sorrow, with her sister Baek Da-hee stating, “My sister, whom I loved most, wanted to write, to connect with hearts through writing and to nurture dreams and hopes.” She emphasized Baek’s kind-hearted nature and her desire to spread love and comfort through her writing.

Born in 1990 in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, Baek studied creative writing at university and worked in publishing for five years. Her struggle with dysthymia led her to therapy, inspiring her breakthrough memoir published in 2018. This book, along with its sequel I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has resonated deeply with readers and has been translated into English by Bloomsbury.

In addition to her memoirs, Baek collaborated on works like No One Will Ever Love You as Much as I Do in 2021 and I Want to Write, I Don’t Want to Write in 2022. Her voice touched many, and her stories brought comfort to those facing similar struggles.

This devastating news highlights the profound impact of Baek’s life and work on her readers and the literary community. As the world mourns her loss, her legacy continues through the lives she saved and the hearts she touched.

As we reflect on Baek Se-hee’s contributions, the focus now turns to honoring her memory and the importance of organ donation. The Korea Organ and Tissue Donation Agency has emphasized the critical need for awareness and support in this area, urging others to consider the gift of life.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as tributes pour in from fans and fellow authors alike, celebrating the life of a remarkable talent who will be missed deeply.