Author Baek Se-hee’s Memoir on Depression and Food Gains International Attention
A deeply personal memoir exploring the complexities of living with depression, coupled with a craving for life’s simple pleasures, is resonating with readers worldwide as its English translation gains prominence.
Baek Se-hee, born in 1990, details her decade-long experience with dysthymia, a persistent form of depression, in her 2018 book, originally published in Korean. The work gained significant traction with a now-famous line: “The human heart, even when it wants to die, quite often wants at the same time to eat some tteokbokki, too.” Bloomsbury Publishing released the English translation in 2024, and a sequel was published in Korean in 2019.
Prior to becoming an author, Baek studied creative writing at university and spent five years working in the publishing industry. The book’s honest portrayal of mental health struggles is prompting increased conversations about seeking help and destigmatizing mental illness. For those struggling with similar issues, resources are available through organizations like Befrienders Worldwide.
The growing popularity of Baek’s work highlights a broader trend of memoirs offering intimate accounts of mental health challenges, providing solace and connection for readers. Further information on mental health support can be found on our mental health resources page.
Publishers anticipate continued strong interest in Baek Se-hee’s writing, with potential for further translations and expanded availability of her work.
