VOL.93/2026.04

Global Mourning for Baek Sehee, Author of "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" - Social Media Condolence Messages Shared for International Readers

 

 

2026.02

 

 

As the year draws to a close,the most memorable events of the past twelve months falsh through the mind.While there were moments of joy, surprise, and sorrow, one of the most heartbreaking events of 2025 was the news of the sudden passing of Baek Sehee, author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.

 

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki is a global bestseller, published in over 25 countries with more than 500,000 copies sold in Korea and another 500,000 internationally. However, beyond the sales figures, the book’s true significance lies in how it transcended language and borders to unite readers worldwide who grapple with similar struggles. Witnessing the condolences from various editors and readers across the globe, we were able to reaffirm the universal power of literature. Amidst tears and sorrow, we wish to share this moment together, honoring the author’s luminous spirit.

 

 

The news of Baek Sehee’s passing reaches us last October, when the Frankfurt Book Fair was in full swing. Although my work involves reading thousands of words every day, I found myself reading those three syllables of her name over and over again, doubting my own eyes. I had meetings scheduled during the fair with editors from around the world who had acquired the rights to her book. Inevitably, we could not help but begin each meeting with a shared sense of mourning.

 

The editor from Bloomsbury, responsible for the English edition that had already sold over 100,000 copies in its first year, had concluded our meeting before the news broke. Yet, immediately upon hearing the tragic news — even amidst the hectic schedule of the book fair — they sent an email expressing deep condolences and announced their intention to release an official statement in honor of the author. Condolences poured in not only from the English publisher but also from international editors who had formed a bond through her work— including those at Pelckmans (Netherlands), Mondadori (Italy), Alice Publishing (Romania), İthaki Publishing (Turkey), and Učila International (Slovenia). These publishers honored her memory by posting official tributes on their social media channels, each expressing their grief in their own way.

 

Major overseas media outlets, including the BBC, The New York Times, and The Bookseller, also published articles covering her passing. Truly, the entire world grieved and mourned her loss. Through her book, the author gifted people of different languages and cultures a profound experience: the ability to share deep-seated emotions, find comfort, and deeply connect with one another. As Baek Sehee’s agent, it has been my honor to serveas a bridge in these connections. The comfort, empathy, and courage she offered will remain with us, living on forever through her books.

 

 

 

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Written by Joy Lee (BC Agency)

She is the Export Manager at BC Agency, dedicated to introducing Korean books and authors to the international publishing market. She has successfully introduced major titles, including I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki and Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, to readers in over 20 countries. She finds great fulfillment in discovering the value of literary works and connecting them with overseas publishers, ensuing that the unique voices of Korean authors transcend language and borders to reach a global audience.