South Korean Author Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature

Ikenna ChurchillOctober 11, 20241 Mins read60

Han Kang, a South Korean author renowned for her poetic prose and exploration of historical trauma, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy recognised her work for its “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

The Nobel Committee praised Han’s “physical empathy for the vulnerable, often female lives” of her characters. They highlighted her unique ability to connect body and soul, the living and the dead, through a poetic and experimental writing style.

Han’s win marks a historic moment for South Korean literature. She became the first South Korean writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, following in the footsteps of former President Kim Dae-Jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.

Han made her literary debut as a poet in 1993 and has since published numerous acclaimed works, including novels, short stories, and essays. Her novels, such as “The Vegetarian,” “Greek Lessons,” “Human Acts,” and “The White Book,” have been translated into English and have garnered international recognition.

“The Vegetarian,” which won the International Booker Prize in 2016, explores themes of identity, rebellion, and the human body. Han has stated that writing novels is a way for her to question and explore these complex issues.

“Human Acts,” another notable work, is based on the real-life killing of pro-democracy protesters in Han’s home city of Gwangju in 1980. The Nobel Literature Committee described it as a work of “witness literature” for its powerful portrayal of historical trauma.

Han’s win comes at a time of growing global influence for South Korean culture, with the success of films like “Parasite,” TV series like “Squid Game,” and K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK.

The Nobel Prize in Literature has been criticised recently for its focus on European and North American writers and its lack of gender diversity. However, the Swedish Academy has tried to address these concerns, and Han’s win is a significant step towards a more inclusive and diverse selection of laureates.

The Nobel Prize is awarded annually to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective fields. Along with the prestigious title and recognition, the prize comes with a substantial cash award. The laureates are invited to receive their awards at a ceremony on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.