Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature
Han Kang, a 53-year-old South Korean author, has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy recognized her for her 'intense poetic prose' that deals with historical traumas and the fragility of human life. Han began her career writing poems before moving on to short stories and novels. Her book 'The Vegetarian,' which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, brought her international acclaim.
Han's win is significant as she is the first South Korean to receive this prestigious award in literature. It's also noteworthy that she is only the 18th woman out of 117 recipients since the prize's inception in 1901. The Nobel Prize comes with a substantial cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (about $1 million).
The news of Han's win has been met with great enthusiasm in South Korea. President Yoon Suk Yeol called it a 'great achievement' and a 'national occasion.' Han's books have since topped bestseller lists in the country, reflecting the pride and interest her win has generated among her compatriots.