The Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to 53-year-old South Korean novelist Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” Han is the first South Korean author, and the first Asian woman, to receive the prize.
Since winning the Nobel Prize, Han has largely avoided public appearances and interviews. In a brief phone interview with an Academy official, she shared, “I grew up with Korean literature, which I hold very dear. I hope this recognition is meaningful for readers of Korean literature and my friends, fellow writers.” She declined further interviews, expressing her view that it is inappropriate to celebrate during times of conflict, referencing ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel. Han quietly conveyed her intention to continue her writing, and it is said that she remains deeply immersed in her work. Her decision to step back from the spotlight has been met with respect in South Korea, offering insight into her dedication to literature and her personal philosophy.
Han Kang has been in the literary spotlight since her debut, but it was her novel The Vegetarian, winner of the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, that garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. The Vegetarian explores philosophical questions about human nature, violence, and freedom through the story of a woman who refuses to eat meat. The novel’s unique narrative style and vivid imagery have captivated readers around the globe.
The Nobel committee also praised Han’s other works, particularly Human Acts, a novel centred on the May 1980 Gwangju Uprising, during which military forces brutally suppressed civilian protests. The novel chronicles how the trauma of this historical event imprinted itself on the lives and bodies of victims, survivors, and witnesses. Through the perspectives of six individuals, the book examines how this collective suffering has seeped into everyday life. The Nobel committee recognized Human Acts as a significant contribution, underscoring Han’s commitment to addressing Korea’s historical wounds through literature.
Han’s work is not only a literary achievement, but also a reflection of a writer’s sense of responsibility to confront and heal Korea’s historical traumas. The Nobel committee viewed this as a central factor in awarding her the prize.
With this recognition, Han Kang’s body of work is being revisited and re-evaluated. In particular, I Do Not Bid Farewell—a novel about the Jeju April 3rd Incident, also known as the Jeju Uprising—has drawn attention for its delicate depiction of this tragic chapter in modern South Korean history. Through her writing, Han delves into the process of confronting and healing the pain of the past, delivering a powerful message to both South Korean society and the broader literary world. Her works transcend mere artistic achievement, playing a crucial role in helping to remember and heal the scars of South Korea’s turbulent history.
However, Han’s Nobel Prize has sparked mixed reactions both at home and abroad. Some conservative groups in South Korea protested in front of the Swedish Embassy in Seoul, accusing her of distorting historical events. They called for the cancellation of her Nobel Prize, arguing that her works misrepresent aspects of South Korean history. Despite this, the majority of readers and literary circles have celebrated Han’s win, recognizing her work as an important effort to document history and extract lessons from it. It has also showcased South Korea’s cultural and humanistic achievements on the global stage. It has opened new possibilities for the country’s literary future, as the younger generation is showing a renewed enthusiasm for literature, flocking to bookstores to explore Han’s works.
Han Kang is expected to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden, on 10 December. She will likely continue to adhere to her literary principles, quietly delivering the voice of Korean literature to the world. The honour bestowed upon Han is a symbol of something beyond her own achievement. It is a moment for reflection, for considering the role of literature and art in a society still grappling with its identity. Han’s Nobel will not simply be remembered as a personal victory but as a moment when Korean literature stood taller on the world stage.
“Han Kang – 2017” by librairie mollat is licensed under CC BY 3.0.