STOCKHOLM, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) – The Swedish Academy announced on October 10 that the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to South Korean author Han Kang, making her the first Korean writer to receive this prestigious prize.
This historic achievement marks a significant milestone for South Korean literature on the global stage.
At the press conference held in Stockholm, the Academy’s Permanent Secretary Mats Malm revealed the decision, stating that the award recognized Han Kang for her “powerful poetic prose that confronts historical trauma and exposes the fragility of human life.” Malm shared that Han Kang was informed of her win via phone and expressed her surprise and deep glory upon hearing the news.
Anders Olsson, Chair of the Nobel Committee, praised Han Kang’s literary contributions, emphasizing her courage and originality. “Han Kang addresses historical wounds and explores the vulnerability of human existence with a profound understanding of the connections between the body and soul, life and death,” Olsson said. He highlighted her poetic and experimental style, which has cemented her position as an innovator in contemporary prose.
HAN KANG WINS NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE / KBS 2024.10.11.
Video by KBS News
Born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea, Han Kang grew up in a literary family, nurturing her passion for writing from a young age. She pursued Korean literature in university, which laid the foundation for her future creative endeavors. Known for her keen insight and evocative storytelling, her works delve into themes of human emotion, historical pain, and societal tensions, blending them seamlessly into her distinct narrative style.
Han Kang's most renowned work, The Vegetarian, published in 2007, garnered widespread acclaim both in South Korea and internationally. The novel tells the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat, leading to conflicts with her family and society. Through its subtle yet profound exploration of personal freedom, societal norms, and human desires, The Vegetarian captivated global audiences. It was translated into numerous languages and won the 2016 International Booker Prize, solidifying Han Kang’s place in the international literary scene.
In addition to The Vegetarian, her other acclaimed works, such as Human Acts, The White Book, and The Land of Hope, further demonstrate her deep understanding of the complexities of human nature. These works intertwine history and modernity, reality and fiction, to examine the challenges individuals face when confronting societal pressures and historical trauma. Through her extraordinary storytelling, Han Kang has highlighted the vast potential and rich depth of Korean literature.
Winning the Nobel Prize in Literature is not only a recognition of Han Kang’s individual accomplishments but also a landmark moment for South Korean literature. This achievement is expected to inspire more Korean writers to showcase their talents on the global stage and offer readers worldwide a richer and more diverse literary experience.
The Swedish Academy emphasized in its announcement that the Nobel Prize in Literature aims to respect authors who have made exceptional contributions to the literary world. Han Kang’s profound insights and innovative narrative techniques showcase the boundless possibilities of literature while providing readers with fresh perspectives to reflect on the human condition.
Han Kang’s success signals the growing prominence of South Korean literature in the international arena. Through her work, she has provided a deeper understanding of Korea’s cultural complexities and demonstrated the power of literature to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
