Baek Se-hee's book, 'I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki', was an instant bestseller in South Korea and has resonated with readers worldwide. The title itself sparks curiosity - who writes a whole book about wanting to die, yet craving the comfort of a dish like tteokbokki? For many South Koreans, tteokbokki is more than just a snack; it's soul food that brings people together.
Baek Se-hee wrote the book after her psychiatrist sessions as she navigated dysthymia - a mild but long-lasting depression - and anxiety disorders. What makes this story compelling is its candour - a reminder that even in vulnerability, there's strength. Baek captured the delicate human contradiction of living with everyday sadness alongside the desire to keep going.
For many young South Koreans, the relentless competition from school to work has led to feelings of disheartenment and shame around mental health issues. This book inverted this notion, addressing common struggles that readers can relate to. The author's pages have struck a chord worldwide, supporting those struggling with depression to seek help.
Baek Se-hee's book is more than just a personal story; it's a message of self-acceptance and the importance of finding comfort in everyday joys - like tteokbokki for some, or simply spending time alone. Even in moments of deep despair, people find strength through small pleasures. For her, that joy was tteokbokki.
As Baek Se-hee's story spreads across borders, it serves as a quiet reminder to accept ourselves and others without the pressure of societal expectations. Her book is now more than just a memoir; it's a symbol of hope for those who've struggled in silence, reminding us that we're not alone - and that even the simplest pleasures can become our lifeline.
Baek Se-hee wrote the book after her psychiatrist sessions as she navigated dysthymia - a mild but long-lasting depression - and anxiety disorders. What makes this story compelling is its candour - a reminder that even in vulnerability, there's strength. Baek captured the delicate human contradiction of living with everyday sadness alongside the desire to keep going.
For many young South Koreans, the relentless competition from school to work has led to feelings of disheartenment and shame around mental health issues. This book inverted this notion, addressing common struggles that readers can relate to. The author's pages have struck a chord worldwide, supporting those struggling with depression to seek help.
Baek Se-hee's book is more than just a personal story; it's a message of self-acceptance and the importance of finding comfort in everyday joys - like tteokbokki for some, or simply spending time alone. Even in moments of deep despair, people find strength through small pleasures. For her, that joy was tteokbokki.
As Baek Se-hee's story spreads across borders, it serves as a quiet reminder to accept ourselves and others without the pressure of societal expectations. Her book is now more than just a memoir; it's a symbol of hope for those who've struggled in silence, reminding us that we're not alone - and that even the simplest pleasures can become our lifeline.
I mean, have you ever stopped to think about how our struggles with mental health are kinda like trying to find tteokbokki in a crowded street? 
It's like, we're searching for this comfort food that'll satisfy us, but sometimes it feels like everyone else has it figured out except us. 
That's what resonates with me about Baek Se-hee's book - she's not just sharing her story, but showing us that even in the midst of darkness, there's still room for hope. 
And I think that's what makes this book so powerful - it's like she's holding up a mirror to our own struggles, and saying, "Hey, you're not alone." 
It's a reminder that even the smallest pleasures can be a lifeline, and that we don't have to be defined by our struggles. 
It's so real and relatable. And I love how she flipped the script on mental health - instead of hiding it, she owns it. 
Her writing is like a warm hug for people who've been struggling in silence. It's amazing to see her story spreading like wildfire across the globe, bringing hope and comfort to so many. 
I'm all about that self-acceptance vibe too - no more pressure to be okay when you're not. We need more of this kind of honesty and vulnerability in our lives. 
. Like, who knew wanting to die could be so... relatable? 
But seriously, it's amazing how this book has resonated with people worldwide - it's like we're all struggling with our own invisible battles, and someone is speaking up about them 
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. It's like, we don't have to put on a mask all the time - it's okay to admit we're struggling and ask for help. And Baek Se-hee's story is proof of that 
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The way tteokbokki represents comfort and joy for her is just beautiful. It's not always easy to talk about mental health stuff, but Baek Se-hee being honest about it is actually really inspiring. 
[A screenshot of a person happily eating tteokbokki with a "Crisis mode" filter on]
when life gives you lemons, make lemonade... but when life gives you dysthymia, write a bestselling book about wanting to eat spicy noodles 
I'm loving how Baek Se-hee's book is breaking down stigmas around mental health 
I also think it's amazing how she's created a community around her story, especially for young South Koreans who might be feeling the pressure to keep up with societal expectations 
and let's be real, tteokbokki is literally the ultimate comfort food 
i mean, it's not just a dish, it's an experience. Baek Se-hee's story has shown me that even in tough times, we can find strength in the simplest things. like, have you ever had a bad day and then suddenly you're craving pasta or ice cream? 
yeah, that's life, folks! anyway, i think this book is such an important reminder to be kind to ourselves and others. it's all about self-acceptance and finding joy in the little things. 
tteokbokki saved my life too 
, but then i discovered this spicy noodle dish and it was like a warm hug in a bowl 
. It's all about finding comfort in small things, right? 
but Baek Se-hee is showing us that even in the darkest moments, there's always something to be grateful for - for me it's tteokbokki lol! 
. It's like she's saying, 'Hey, I've been there too, and it's okay to not be okay' 
Tteokbokki is literally the best comfort food ever - who wouldn't crave a warm, spicy bowl of goodness when they're feeling down? 
. i mean, who hasn't felt that emptiness sometimes & just wants to crawl into a bowl of tteokbokki? 
the fact that she wrote a whole book about it is kinda inspiring? not everyone needs or wants to be 'strong' all the time, & that's okay