Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature

13 October, 2024261 words4 minutes

The Swedish Academy has bestowed the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature upon Han Kang, a 53-year-old South Korean author, lauding her 'intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.' This accolade marks a significant milestone as Han becomes the first South Korean recipient of the prestigious award, and only the 18th woman among 117 laureates since the prize's inception in 1901.

Han's literary journey began with poetry before she transitioned to prose, making her debut in 1995 with a collection of short stories. Her novel 'The Vegetarian,' which garnered international acclaim after winning the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, explores themes of human cruelty and the desire for a more 'plant-like' existence. The Swedish Academy commended Han's 'unique awareness of the connections between body and soul, the living and the dead,' praising her 'poetic and experimental style' as innovative in contemporary prose.

The announcement has reverberated throughout South Korea, with President Yoon Suk Yeol hailing it as 'a great achievement in the history of Korean literature' and a 'national occasion.' Han's works have subsequently dominated bestseller lists, occupying all top 10 spots on a major online retailer's chart for Korean titles. This surge in popularity reflects not only national pride but also a renewed interest in Han's exploration of complex themes, including historical violence and personal identity.

As Han prepares for the Nobel Prize award ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, her win continues to spark discussions about the role of literature in addressing historical traumas and the evolving landscape of global literary recognition.

Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature

Words

bestowed

given or presented (an honor, right, or gift)

accolade

an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit

garnered

gathered or collected (something, especially information or approval)

reverberated

had a prolonged effect or influence

surge

a sudden large increase, typically a temporary one

Quiz

1. What unique aspect of Han Kang's writing did the Swedish Academy praise?

Her use of historical fiction

Her awareness of connections between body and soul

Her focus on Korean culture

2. How has Han Kang's Nobel win affected book sales in South Korea?

It has had no significant impact

Her books now occupy all top 10 spots on a major retailer's chart

Only 'The Vegetarian' has seen increased sales

3. What broader significance does Han Kang's win have for Korean literature?

It marks the first Nobel Prize in Literature for a South Korean author

It has no significant impact on Korean literature

It means all Korean authors will now be translated into English

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