RM is known as one of the idols who diligently reads and has a strong pαѕѕion for art and literature. Moreover, his love for reading has inspired many fans around the world.

Over the years, many of the books RM has read and revealed have become some of the most sought-after titles among readers. They trust the book choices of the BTS superstar, and indeed, the books he either intentionally recommends or unintentionally reveals always carry great value.

Among them is “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki” — the world’s best-selling memoir by author Baek Sehee. In 2018, during a live broadcast, he suggested that fans read this book as a way to support their mental well-being. Coincidentally, the book also highlighted the message “Love Yourself” — the main theme BTS was promoting at that time.

In an episode of BTS’s travel reality show Bon Voyage Season 3, fans also noticed the book placed on top of RM’s suitcase in the corner of his room — showing how deeply he had been immersed in it.

However, recently, there has been sad news for readers of this book: the female author, born in 1990, has pαѕѕed away at the age of 35.

No further details about her ∂єαтн have been released. However, on October 17 (KST), the кσяєα Organ Donation Agency announced that through brain-∂єα∂ organ donation, Baek saved the lives of five people by donating her heart, lungs, liver, and both kidneys at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital.

It is known that Baek had undergone treatment for a mood disorder for over a decade — a condition characterized by persistent mild depression. Nevertheless, it laid the foundation for her writing career, inspiring her to produce honest reflections on mental health in “I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki.”

In particular, Baek and her book gained wide attention and recognition after being introduced by RM in 2018. The memoir has sold about 600,000 copies in кσяєα and has been licensed, translated, and published by around 25 publishers in various countries. In fact, several translated editions even feature the phrase “Book recommended by Namjoon from BTS” on their covers.

Renowned translator Anton Hur also mentioned RM’s impact in introducing the book to global readers in an article published by the Asian αмєяι¢αn Writers’ Workshop: “I knew of the book, of course, and RM of BTS had already made it an international bestseller when it showed up in one of his social media posts. When the English edition was announced, the loveliest messages came pouring in from ARMY [...] saying they were eager to read the book,” he wrote.

He also emphasized: “ARMY from all over the world, of all ages [...] embracing what is a very cosmopolitan and yet beautifully кσяєαn work of art—you bet it wasn’t a surprise for them that кσяєα produced an international mental health bestseller.”

Therefore, upon hearing the news, readers in general — and ARMYs from all over the world — have sent their heartfelt condolences to Baek Sehee:

- I read baek se hee book coz of namjoon. The books makes me cry. I hope she had a good days before she pαѕѕed n i hope she knows the life she has touched with her works.

- I didn't know she pαѕѕed away yesterday and donated her organs to save five lives. Rest in peace, Baek Sehee

- #BaekSeHee saved 5 lives by donated her organs; and saved millions others, and perhaps even more in the future, by her books. She has saved me as well. Thank you, unnie. May you rest in peace

- RIP #BaekSeHee. I was in ѕнσ¢кed this morning when I saw the news. I just recently finished her memoir and thinking how relatable her thought process compared to mine when I was going through depression

- Rest in heaven. Thank you for the books that saved my life

- I know 2018 memoir when Joon recommended in a livestream, then I read 2024 ver too. Both of your books helped me a lot! Rest in peace sweetheart

- Rip angel I hope you're having a lot of tteokbokki and good food rn

- Wanted to read her book cause of the recommendation by RM but stayed for her writing and how real it was and that book has stayed with me since! RIP

- I finished reading her book last month, I felt so understood and I liked each page. I’m so sorry for the loss, she seemed a pure warm-hearted person. Rest in peace and thank you for sharing your life with us