Exploring the contrasting desires in Baek Se-hee's novel

Bookey En(Book Review and Notes)

Chapter 1 What's I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

"I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" is a popular web novel written by Baek Se-hee. The story revolves around a young woman named Yoo Jin-ah who is going through a difficult period in her life. Despite her desire to end her suffering, she finds solace in eating tteokbokki, a spicy Korean rice cake dish. The novel explores themes of depression, mental health, and the small joys that can bring comfort in times of despair. It has resonated with many readers for its raw portrayal of emotional struggles and the healing power of food.
Chapter 2 The Background of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

"I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" is a novel written by Baek Se-hee, a South Korean author known for her bold and unconventional writing style. The book was published in 2016 and gained popularity for its dark humor and poignant exploration of existential themes.
The period in which the novel is set is contemporary South Korea, a society marked by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and social change. The protagonist of the novel, a young woman named Kyung-hee, struggles with feelings of alienation and disillusionment in a society that prioritizes success and conformity. Through her experiences and interactions with various characters, the novel examines the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the search for meaning and connection in a fast-paced, competitive world.
Baek Se-hee's original intention with the novel was to explore the darker aspects of modern life and challenge conventional ideas about happiness and fulfillment. She uses black humor and satire to highlight the absurdities and contradictions of contemporary society, offering a critique of consumerism, social media, and the pressure to succeed at all costs.
Overall, "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" offers a thought-provoking and engaging commentary on the challenges and complexities of modern life, making it a compelling read for those interested in contemporary Korean literature and society.
Chapter 3 I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Summary

"I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" by Baek Se-hee is a short story that follows the protagonist, a young woman who is struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide. Despite her inner turmoil, she finds some comfort in her love for tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food.
As she navigates her daily life, trying to find reasons to keep going, the protagonist often turns to her favorite comfort food as a source of solace. The act of eating tteokbokki brings her a small sense of joy and normalcy in the midst of her overwhelming emotions.
Through her experience with tteokbokki, the protagonist reflects on the complexity of her mental health struggles and the ways in which finding small moments of pleasure can help alleviate her pain. The story beautifully captures the juxtaposition of despair and fleeting moments of happiness that can coexist in a person's inner world.
Ultimately, "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" is a poignant exploration of mental illness, resilience, and the power of simple pleasures to provide comfort in difficult times.
Chapter 4 Meet the Writer of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

The author of the book "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" is Baek Se-hee. She released the book in 2017. Baek Se-hee has also written several other books such as "I Yell Because I Don't Want to Die" and "If You Don't Like Someone, Try This".
Among her works, "I Yell Because I Don't Want to Die" is considered the best in terms of editions as it has received critical acclaim and has been widely recognized by readers.
Chapter 5 I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Meaning & Theme

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Meaning

The phrase "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" by Baek Se-hee likely signifies a desire for comfort or pleasure in the midst of difficult emotions or circumstances. Tteokbokki is a popular Korean dish made of rice cakes and spicy sauce, known for its comforting and satisfying qualities. The juxtaposition of wanting to die with wanting to eat tteokbokki may suggest a longing for moments of joy or contentment, even in the face of despair. It could be interpreted as a reflection of the complexity of human emotions and the power of simple pleasures to provide solace and relief.
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki Theme

The theme of "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" by Baek Se-hee centers around the conflicting emotions and desires of the protagonist. On one hand, they are filled with the overwhelming feeling of wanting to die, indicating a sense of hopelessness and despair. This could be due to various reasons such as loneliness, struggle, or mental health issues.
On the other hand, the protagonist also expresses a desire to eat Tteokbokki, a popular Korean dish made of rice cakes and spicy sauce. This juxtaposition of dark thoughts with a craving for a comfort food highlights the complexity of human emotions and the ability to find solace in simple pleasures even during difficult times.
Overall, this theme explores the duality of human experience, with the protagonist grappling with their inner turmoil while also seeking moments of joy and satisfaction, no matter how fleeting. It ultimately conveys a message of resilience and the ability to find moments of lightness even in the darkest of times.
Chapter 6 Various Alternate Resources

1. Digital articles on various news websites such as CNN, BBC, and The Guardian
2. Social media posts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
3. Reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon
4. Discussions on literary forums and book clubs
5. Podcast episodes featuring interviews with the author or discussions about the book
6. Video interviews with the author on YouTube or streaming platforms
7. Mention of the book in literary magazines and journals
8. Excerpts or reviews in online publications like BuzzFeed, The New Yorker, or The Atlantic
9. References to the book in podcasts or radio shows
10. Academic papers or citations in scholarly databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar.
Chapter 7 Quotes of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki quotes as follows:
1. "I want to die, but I want to eat tteokbokki first. It's my favorite comfort food."
2. "Sometimes, all you need is a hot bowl of tteokbokki to make everything feel a little bit better."
3. "Tteokbokki is like a warm hug for my soul, even when everything else feels cold and dark."
4. "I may feel like giving up, but tteokbokki gives me a reason to keep going, if only for one more delicious bite."
5. "Tteokbokki reminds me that there is still joy and pleasure to be found in life, even in the darkest moments."
6. "I may be struggling, but tteokbokki makes me feel alive and grateful for the simple pleasures in life."
7. "Tteokbokki is my lifeline, my reason to keep fighting, my reminder that there is still beauty in this world."
8. "Even in my darkest moments, tteokbokki brings me a sense of comfort and hope that things will get better."
9. "I may want to die, but tteokbokki reminds me that there is still so much to live for, so much joy to be found in the little things."
10. "Tteokbokki is more than just food to me - it's a symbol of resilience, of finding happiness in even the toughest times."
Chapter 8 Books with a Similar Theme as I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki

1. "Convenience Store Woman" by Sayaka Murata - This novel explores similar themes of societal expectations and the desire for conformity through the story of a woman who finds comfort and purpose in her job at a convenience store.
2. "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto - A beautifully written novel that delves into themes of grief, healing, and the power of food to connect people. The protagonist's journey towards acceptance and finding solace in small moments is reminiscent of the emotional journey in "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki."
3. "Breath, Eyes, Memory" by Edwidge Danticat - This poignant coming-of-age story follows a young girl navigating her identity, familial relationships, and traumatic past. The emotional depth and exploration of cultural heritage in the novel resonate with the themes of self-discovery and acceptance in the book you read.
4. "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh - A darkly humorous and introspective novel that delves into issues of mental health, rebellion against societal norms, and the search for purpose and meaning. The protagonist's journey towards self-awareness and personal growth may resonate with readers who enjoyed "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki."
5. "Frying Plantain" by Zalika Reid-Benta - This collection of interconnected short stories follows a young black woman navigating her identity, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. The exploration of generational differences and the protagonist's journey towards self-acceptance and understanding is reminiscent of the themes found in the book you read.