South Korean novelist Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her “intense poetic prose” about historical traumas and human fragility. The 53-year-old author, known for novels such as The Vegetarian and Human Acts, expressed astonishment and honour at the award. “I hope this brings joy to Korean literature readers,” Han joked.
The announcement sparked celebrations in South Korea, with online bookshops crashing owing to high traffic. President Yoon Suk Yeol commended Han for turning sad historical events into useful fiction. Han is the first South Korean and 18th woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, which she will receive in December.
The Nobel committee emphasised Han’s sensitivity to the vulnerable, citing her distinct approach that connects the physical and spiritual. The Vegetarian, translated in 2015, earned Han widespread acclaim and won an international Booker Prize. Her novel Human Acts delves into the 1980 Gwangju massacre, demonstrating her concentration on historical events and their emotional impact.
Prominent writers complimented Han’s work. Deborah Levy termed her “one of the most profound writers,” while Max Porter described her as a “vital voice.”
