South Korean writer Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” This recognition from the Swedish Academy, accompanied by a prize of 11 million Swedish crowns (approximately $1.1 million), underscores her profound impact on contemporary literature.
Born in Gwangju in 1970, Han Kang grew up in a literary environment, influenced by her father’s reputation as a novelist. She began her literary journey as a poet, debuting in 1993 with five poems in the winter issue of Munhak-gwa-sahoe (Literature and Society). By 1994, she had made her mark as a novelist, winning the Seoul Shinmun Spring Literary Contest with her work Red Anchor. Her first short story collection, Yeosu, followed in 1995, paving the way for a remarkable career.
Han’s literary repertoire is diverse, encompassing novels like The Vegetarian, which garnered the International Booker Prize in 2016, and her most recent work, I Do Not Bid Farewell, which has received accolades such as the Medicis Prize in 2023 and the Emile Guimet Prize in 2024. Her exploration of themes related to pain and trauma, both mental and physical, resonates deeply with Eastern philosophical thought, establishing her as a leading voice in contemporary literature.
The Nobel Prize committee noted Han Kang’s unique ability to address historical traumas and the invisible constraints that govern human existence. Her works delve into the intricate relationship between body and soul, life and death, revealing the delicate fragility of human experience through her poetic and experimental style.
In a world often characterized by discord and suffering, Han Kang’s literature offers a poignant reflection on the human condition. Her narratives invite readers to confront their own vulnerabilities while engaging with the broader historical contexts that shape our lives. This recognition not only celebrates Han’s exceptional talent but also highlights the power of literature to illuminate the complexities of existence and foster empathy across cultures.
