SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Joy and disbelief swept through South Korea on Thursday as citizens learned that local author Han Kang has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. This unexpected honor not only brought happiness but also sparked a sense of national pride regarding the country’s flourishing cultural identity on the global stage.
At 53 years old, Han Kang is celebrated for her unique storytelling style, which often delves into themes of human trauma and violence. Her work frequently highlights the painful chapters of South Korea’s contemporary history. Remarkably, she is the first South Korean writer to receive this esteemed recognition in literature.
Han’s recognition aligns with the rising global visibility of South Korean culture, evidenced by recent achievements such as director Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning film “Parasite” and popular series like Netflix’s “Squid Game.” The international fame of K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK has also contributed to this trend.
In a telephone interview shared on the Nobel Prize’s X account, Han expressed her surprise and gratitude, saying, “I’m so surprised and honored.”
The news of her victory led to a surge in online traffic that momentarily caused some South Korean bookstores to freeze. Social media platforms were inundated with celebratory messages, with many users taking note of the significance of Han being the first Asian woman to receive the award—an important moment in a field frequently dominated by men.
One user remarked on Facebook, “It’s always the women who do the big things.” In the nation’s parliament, government hearings were put on hold as lawmakers joined in applauding Han’s achievement.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, while attending a meeting of Asian leaders in Laos, released a statement commending Han’s accomplishment. He hailed it as a “great achievement in the history of Korean literature” and a “special moment for the nation.” Yoon added, “You converted the painful wounds of our modern history into great literature. I send my respects to you for elevating the value of Korean literature.”
Han, who is the daughter of well-known novelist Han Seung-won, first made her mark as a poet in 1993. She garnered international acclaim for her novel “The Vegetarian,” which tells the story of a woman whose choice to stop eating meat leads to devastating family repercussions due to concerns about her mental health. This book has sold over 100,000 copies in the U.S. Another notable work, “Human Acts,” is set during a violent military crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Gwangju during 1980, and follows a boy’s quest to find the body of his friend killed in the turmoil.
Han Seung-won expressed his astonishment at his daughter’s Nobel recognition, describing the moment as “bewildering.” He praised her writing style, referring to it as poetic with elements of unique “fantastical realism.” He also recognized British translator Deborah Smith for her role in conveying Han’s intricate prose, stating, “The translator has somehow managed to bring to life the delicate and beautiful prose and melancholic sensibility of Han Kang’s sentences.”
The excitement generated by Han’s victory extended to other South Korean writers and critics, who voiced hope that her success would help spotlight South Korean literature globally. However, Brother Anthony of Taize, a British-born scholar and avid translator of Korean literature, noted that her works might be challenging for casual readers, as they often depict complex themes of miscommunication, troubled relationships, and emotional pain.
“It’s not always an easy read,” he mentioned, adding that like “Parasite” and “Squid Game,” Han’s narratives often reflect the darker realities of South Korean society. The country grapples with significant socioeconomic issues, including a pronounced wealth gap, a struggling job market, and societal responses to its tumultuous transition from dictatorship to democracy.
“Korean society is rather dark and it’s probably the aspect that resonates,” Brother Anthony shared. Jung Yoon-young, a 49-year-old Seoul resident, described Han’s award as a refreshing highlight in challenging times, stating, “It’s a miraculous event and really a breath of fresh air. I’m grateful and proud.”
