What is *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* about?

This bestselling memoir by Baek Sehee blends therapy session transcripts with personal essays about her 10-year struggle with dysthymia (chronic mild depression). Structured as 12 conversations with her psychiatrist, it explores self-doubt, anxiety, and the paradox of clinging to life’s small joys—like craving tteokbokki—amid emotional exhaustion. The raw, intimate format bridges memoir and self-help.

Who should read *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki*?

This book resonates with readers navigating mental health challenges, particularly those interested in therapy dynamics or South Korea’s cultural approach to depression. Its candid tone and relatable struggles make it ideal for fans of hybrid memoirs like *Reasons to Stay Alive* or *The Midnight Library*.

Is *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* worth reading?

Yes—it offers a rare glimpse into South Korean mental health care while normalizing conversations about depression. Critics praise its vulnerability, though some note the advice feels surface-level or culturally specific. Its viral title and Anton Hur’s translation have fueled global appeal.

How does the book address mental health stigma in South Korea?

Baek’s sessions highlight societal pressures to mask emotions, contrasting with her psychiatrist’s pragmatic advice. While South Korea’s universal healthcare includes mental health support, the book subtly critiques workplace culture and patriarchal norms that exacerbate anxiety.

What are the main themes in *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki*?

- **Self-worth**: Struggles with feeling “not good enough” at work and relationships. - **Existential duality**: Balancing suicidal ideation with cravings for simple pleasures. - **Cultural identity**: How Korean societal expectations shape mental health perceptions.

What key quotes define the book’s message?

- *“I don’t know if I want to live, but I still want to eat tteokbokki.”* – Symbolizes clinging to mundane joys amid despair. - *“Revealing my darkness is as natural as revealing my light.”* – Advocates for destigmatizing mental health struggles.

How does the book portray therapy in South Korea?

Sessions focus on cognitive reframing and medication, reflecting common psychiatric practices there. Baek’s therapist prioritizes functional improvements (e.g., work performance) over emotional exploration—a approach some Western readers find pragmatic, others impersonal.

What criticisms exist about the book?

Some readers find the therapy advice overly simplistic or culturally narrow, noting Baek’s privilege in accessing long-term care. Others critique repetitive themes, though many argue this mirrors the cyclical nature of depression.

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

Baek Se-hee

3.21 (85879 Reviews)

Psychology Self-growth Health

개요

핵심 요점

저자

자주 묻는 질문

In this raw therapy memoir, Baek Sehee navigates depression while craving life's simple pleasures. Endorsed by BTS and translated by an International Booker Prize nominee, it's the contradiction we all live - wanting to disappear yet still hungering for spicy rice cakes.

나만의 학습 방법 탐색하기

빠른 요약8분

저자의 목소리로 책을 느껴보세요

심층 분석42분

지식을 흥미롭고 예시가 풍부한 인사이트로 전환

플래시 카드8개의 인사이트

핵심 아이디어를 빠르게 캡처하여 신속하게 학습

재미있게23분

재미있고 매력적인 방식으로 책을 즐기세요

「I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki」베스트 인용구

healing doesn't mean eliminating complexity but learning to live with it more peacefully.

나만의 학습 방법 탐색하기

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki은 단순한 책이 아닙니다 — Psychology의 마스터클래스입니다. 당신에게 가장 잘 맞는 방식으로 교훈을 흡수할 수 있도록 5가지 고유한 학습 모드를 제공합니다. 깊이 생각하는 사람이든, 빠른 학습자이든, 이야기를 좋아하는 사람이든, 당신의 스타일에 맞는 모드가 있습니다.

빠른 요약

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약 - 8분

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki의 핵심 아이디어를 이해하기 쉬운 포인트로 분해하여 혁신적인 팀이 어떻게 창조하고, 협력하고, 성장하는지 이해합니다.

00:00

플래시 카드

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki에서 엄선한 8가지 핵심 인사이트

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki을 빠른 기억 단서로 압축하여 솔직함, 팀워크, 창의적 회복력의 핵심 원칙을 강조합니다.

재미있게

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki의 교훈을 23분 스토리로

생생한 스토리텔링을 통해 I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki을 경험하고, 혁신 교훈을 기억에 남고 적용할 수 있는 순간으로 바꿉니다.

00:00

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

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I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 무료 PDF 또는 EPUB으로 받으세요. 인쇄하거나 오프라인에서 언제든 읽을 수 있습니다.

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

Baek Se-hee

3.21 (85879 Reviews)

Psychology Self-growth Health

개요

핵심 요점

저자

자주 묻는 질문

나만의 학습 방법 탐색하기

빠른 요약8분

저자의 목소리로 책을 느껴보세요

심층 분석42분

지식을 흥미롭고 예시가 풍부한 인사이트로 전환

플래시 카드8개의 인사이트

핵심 아이디어를 빠르게 캡처하여 신속하게 학습

재미있게23분

재미있고 매력적인 방식으로 책을 즐기세요

「I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki」베스트 인용구

healing doesn't mean eliminating complexity but learning to live with it more peacefully.

이런 책은 어떠세요

Reasons to stay alive

Matt Haig

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Yoru Sumino

I don't want to talk about it

Terrence Real

26 sources

When Living Feels Too Heavy to Bear

Allen Carr's Easy Way to Quit Emotional Eating

15 sources

Beyond Willpower: Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Eating

핵심 내용

When Death and Spicy Rice Cakes Share the Same Heart

00:00

Depression isn't the temporary sadness many imagine. It's the peculiar contradiction of simultaneously wanting to die while craving spicy rice cakes - finding life unbearable yet still clinging to small pleasures that make it worth enduring. This paradox forms the emotional core of Baek Sehee's journey through depression, captured in transcripts of her actual therapy sessions that invite us into the most vulnerable corners of her mind. The result feels less like reading a book and more like sitting beside a friend who finally feels safe enough to share their deepest wounds. What makes this account so powerful is how it refuses to offer tidy solutions. Depression isn't "the flu of the mind" with a clear treatment protocol - it's a chronic condition requiring ongoing management rather than a complete cure. Baek doesn't guide us toward eliminating depression but shares her experience of learning not to retreat into familiar patterns when depressed. She wants to be seen yet fears visibility, often spending hours preparing for social events only to cancel at the last minute. She craves connection while isolating herself, sometimes ignoring messages from friends for weeks while scrolling through their social media posts. These contradictions aren't signs of weakness - they're the complex reality of living with depression, manifestations of the internal struggle between engagement and withdrawal.

The Cruel Filter of Selective Memory and Self-Perception

Making the Invisible Visible: Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

The Exhaustion of Social Performance

The Quiet Revolution of Self-Acceptance

Embracing the Scars That Make Us Human

The Journey Toward Integration and Wholeness

나만의 학습 방법 탐색하기

빠른 요약

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약 - 8분

00:00

플래시 카드

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki에서 엄선한 8가지 핵심 인사이트

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki을 빠른 기억 단서로 압축하여 솔직함, 팀워크, 창의적 회복력의 핵심 원칙을 강조합니다.

재미있게

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki의 교훈을 23분 스토리로

생생한 스토리텔링을 통해 I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki을 경험하고, 혁신 교훈을 기억에 남고 적용할 수 있는 순간으로 바꿉니다.

00:00

개인화

나만의 방식으로 I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 경험하기.

무엇이든 물어보고, 목소리를 선택하고, 진정으로 공감되는 인사이트를 함께 만들어보세요.

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

BeFreed는 1,000,000 호기심 넘치는 글로벌 커뮤니티를 하나로 연결합니다

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

샌프란시스코에서 컬럼비아 대학교 동문들이 만들었습니다

BeFreed는 1,000,000 호기심 넘치는 글로벌 커뮤니티를 하나로 연결합니다

웹에서 BeFreed가 어떻게 논의되고 있는지 더 보기

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

지금 바로 학습 여정을 시작하세요

이 요약 다운로드

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 무료 PDF 또는 EPUB으로 받으세요. 인쇄하거나 오프라인에서 언제든 읽을 수 있습니다.

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee Summary

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「I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki」베스트 인용구

빠른 요약 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 8분 만에 읽거나 듣기

플래시 카드 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki에서 엄선한 8가지 핵심 인사이트

재미있게 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki의 교훈을 23분 스토리로

개인화 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 0분 만에 읽거나 듣기

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I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee Summary

Overview of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

Similar books to I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

「I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki」베스트 인용구

이런 책은 어떠세요

핵심 내용

When Death and Spicy Rice Cakes Share the Same Heart

The Cruel Filter of Selective Memory and Self-Perception

Making the Invisible Visible: Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

The Exhaustion of Social Performance

The Quiet Revolution of Self-Acceptance

Embracing the Scars That Make Us Human

The Journey Toward Integration and Wholeness

빠른 요약 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 8분 만에 읽거나 듣기

플래시 카드 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki에서 엄선한 8가지 핵심 인사이트

재미있게 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki의 교훈을 23분 스토리로

개인화 모드 - I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki 요약을 0분 만에 읽거나 듣기

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When Death and Spicy Rice Cakes Share the Same Heart

The Cruel Filter of Selective Memory and Self-Perception

Making the Invisible Visible: Self-Harm and Suicidal Ideation

The Exhaustion of Social Performance

The Quiet Revolution of Self-Acceptance

Embracing the Scars That Make Us Human

The Journey Toward Integration and Wholeness