Korean novelist Han Kang has become the first Korean writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The Swedish Academy announced at 8 p.m. (Korea time) on the 10th that Han Kang has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.
The Academy stated that Han Kang was awarded the prize for her work, which "confronts historical scars and reveals the fragility of human life through poetic prose."
In a phone interview with the Nobel Committee following the announcement, Han Kang shared, "I learned of the news from someone else," and added, "I am incredibly surprised and honored."
She mentioned that she received the news while having dinner with her son, who was also very surprised.
Expressing her gratitude, Han Kang said, "I am honored and thankful for the award," and noted, "I grew up with books and Korean literature in Korea. The efforts and strength of my fellow writers have been a great source of inspiration for me."
Han Kang’s novel The Vegetarian, published in 2007, won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. Her novel Human Acts, which won the Manhae Literature Prize, has had its translation rights sold in 20 countries. Last year, her novel I Will Not Say Goodbye won the prestigious Médicis Prize for foreign literature, one of France's top four literary awards.
Han Kang is the 18th woman in history to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Since 2012, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded alternately to men and women almost every year. Following last year’s male recipient, Norwegian author Jon Fosse, Han Kang’s win continues this tradition.
Han Kang is the first Asian writer to win the prize since Mo Yan of China, who was awarded in 2012, marking a 12-year gap.
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