Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her Profound Work

Han Kang, the 2024 Nobel laureate in Literature, is celebrated for her profound works like The Vegetarian, exploring trauma, humanity, and historical events.

on Oct 11, 2024

Han Kang, a renowned South Korean author, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature at the age of 53. Celebrated for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life,” Han is known for notable works including The Vegetarian, The White Book, Human Acts, and Greek Lessons.

Following the announcement by Mats Malm, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, Han shared her surprise and honor in receiving this recognition. In a phone conversation, she expressed her gratitude and connection to Korean literature, hoping the news would delight both readers and fellow writers.

The announcement triggered significant online interest, with many bookstores experiencing traffic surges and public celebrations from officials, including a statement from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who praised Han for transforming the painful aspects of modern history into profound literary works.

Throughout her career, Han has explored complex themes such as patriarchy, violence, grief, and humanity. Her 2007 novel The Vegetarian, which was translated into English in 2015, won the International Booker Prize in 2016.

As the first South Korean author and the 18th woman to win the Nobel Prize, her unique perspective and empathetic storytelling have been widely acclaimed. The Nobel committee's chair, Anders Olsson, noted her ability to depict the connections between the living and the dead in a poetically innovative style.

Fellow authors and critics have expressed their admiration for Han’s work, emphasizing her importance as a vital voice in contemporary literature. Author Deborah Levy recognized Han as one of the most skilled writers on the global stage, while Max Porter described her as a writer of extraordinary humanity.

Born in Gwangju in 1970 and raised in Seoul, Han began her literary journey in 1993, gaining prominence with her first short story collection Love of Yeosu in 1995. The Vegetarian was her first novel translated into English, which helped broaden her readership.

Her works often reflect on historical events, such as the Gwangju massacre, depicted in her 2014 novel Human Acts, exploring its impact on survivors and victims alike. Han's forthcoming novel, We Do Not Part, set for English release in 2025, delves into the repercussions of the 1948-49 Jeju uprising on a friend’s family.

Industry professionals celebrate this moment for Han and her literary contributions, recognizing her unique ability to confront the complexities of human existence through her writing.