South Korean Author Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature, Hopes for Little Change in Daily Life

Acclaimed author Han Kang has become the first South Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, joining an elite group of literary icons. On Thursday, the 53-year-old novelist expressed her wishes that her daily life remains relatively unchanged despite this historic achievement.

Han is widely recognized for her poignant and evocative writings, particularly her Man Booker Prize-winning novel, “The Vegetarian”, her first novel to be translated into English. The Swedish Academy honored her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life”.

Upon receiving the Nobel Prize, Han described the experience as a “joyful and thankful moment, and I quietly celebrated that night.” The news led to a widespread outpouring of support in South Korea, with hundreds of thousands of fans and readers clamoring for her books, causing the websites of major bookstores and publishing houses to crash. At least 1.06 million copies, including e-books, have been sold since the announcement, representing a record-breaking surge in sales of South Korean literature.

During a recent award ceremony in Seoul, Han shared her gratitude, saying, “The past week, filled with so many people sharing in my joy as if it were their own, will be remembered as a special and moving experience for me.” Han noted her desire to continue her usual life and writing routine, stating, “I hope and believe that my daily life won’t change too much.”

Han attributes her creative passion and stability to a straightforward lifestyle. “I’m someone who connects with the world through the writing I do, and I hope to continue writing and meeting readers through my books, just as I’ve always done.” Han leads a relatively quiet and disciplined life, focusing on her craft, and finding solace in long walks.

Currently, Han is working on a novel that she began writing last spring, with an anticipated release date in 2025. Additionally, she plans to embark on three more literary projects over the next six years, leading up to her 60th birthday. Despite her concerns that new ideas and inspirations may distract her from these plans, Han remains committed to her craft, confessing, “However, just as it has always been, I suspect that as I write these, I’ll come up with ideas for more books, and I’ll never stop thinking about the books I want to write.”