In this deeply honest and profoundly relatable memoir, Baek Sehee navigates the complex emotional landscape of depression, self-doubt, and the persistent struggle for selfhood. Through a blend of intimate therapy sessions and reflective micro-essays, Baek shares her candid dialogues with her psychiatrist, unraveling the patterns of melancholy, co-dependency, and anxiety that have defined her life. The book uses the simple, vibrant duality of tteokbokki—a spicy comfort food—as a powerful metaphor for the author's own conflicted existence: the desire to surrender versus the persistent need to live. It is an unflinching exploration of human vulnerability, tracing Baek’s journey through childhood experiences, strained family relationships, and the messy realities of emotional survival. More than just a personal account, *I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki* serves as a guiding light for others. By laying bare her own struggles with profound melancholy and insignificance, Baek transforms her private battle into a universal compass, proving that even the most ordinary human self-doubt can become a source of connection and understanding.
