▲ The cover of the book ⓒ Bloomsbury PublishingLast week, on June 6, the eagerly awaited sequel to the bestselling therapy memoir "I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki" hit the shelves in the UK. Titled "I Want to Die but I Still Want to Eat Tteokbokki," the new volume continues the candid and introspective dialogues between essayist Baek Se-hee and her psychiatrist.

Translated by Anton Hur, a nominee for the International Booker Prize, the book builds upon its predecessor's success. The first volume garnered widespread acclaim for its unfiltered exploration of depression, resonating deeply with readers globally. Baek's stark portrayal of her experiences during therapy for dysthymia, a form of chronic depression, captivated audiences and contributed to destigmatizing mental health discussions.

The sequel spans an additional 16 weeks of therapy sessions, extending the narrative to a comprehensive 32-week journey. It continues to delve into Baek's personal struggles, including issues of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, while also documenting her gradual recovery and resilience.

Initially self-published in 2018, the first volume of Baek's memoir sold over 400,000 copies in South Korea alone, becoming a phenomenon in the literary world. It has since been translated into 25 languages and sold over one million copies worldwide. In the UK, the book achieved significant success, reaching 100,000 copies sold across print and digital formats within six months of its release.

The series has also been confirmed for adaptation into a drama, underscoring its profound impact and continuing relevance in opening up conversations about mental health globally.

Sayart / Eyeon Choi, beyond.atelier@gmail.com