Why Han Kang’s Nobel Matters: A Literary Legacy for South Korea

On October 10, a remarkable chapter was added to South Korea’s history as Han Kang became the nation’s first author—and the first woman—to receive the Swedish award in its history of accolades. Recognised for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life” (Malm, 2024), Han’s work resonates worldwide, delving into themes like trauma, patriarchy, and human vulnerability. Most of her celebrated works, translated into English by Deborah Smith, have carved a historic milestone for South Korea, opening doors for non-Western voices to gain international recognition. Han’s achievement transcends personal acclaim; it’s a beacon of hope for authors writing in their native languages, proving that global influence need not be bound by Western norms or languages.

Kim, Soo-hyen, “People read the book 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, in a bookstore in Seoul, South Korea”, Reuters, 10 October 2024

But what does this international acclaim mean for Han Kang's home country, South Korea? Han's path to global recognition was anything but smooth, sharing the struggles of many Asian authors. In a literary world long dominated by Western and male voices, she also faced competition from well-known Japanese and Chinese authors. Haruki Murakami, the acclaimed Japanese novelist, was widely considered a leading contender for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. For South Korea to receive this honour over such an internationally respected Japanese author is unprecedented. Thus, the moment marks a milestone for South Korea, as it’s the first time the country has achieved this level of recognition in literature over a high-profile Japanese writer. Many are celebrating it as a new chapter in South Korea’s cultural influence on the global stage—a “K-cultural wave” that goes beyond K-pop, dramas, and cinema (Lee, 2024). This literary achievement demonstrates the world’s growing appetite for Korean voices and themes, sparking discussions about how Korean authors are now helping shape global literature with narratives deeply rooted in their cultural experiences (ibid). The impact has been profound, even in Japan, where major bookstores quickly set up displays dedicated to Han Kang’s translated works (ibid). This gesture reflects an unexpected level of respect and admiration, highlighting the extent to which her work resonates across borders. 

Beyond her mastery of language, Han Kang’s critical acclaim stems from her ability to navigate sensitive, complex themes like political and historical violence. In her novel Human Acts, Han explores the horrors of South Korea’s 1980s democratic uprising—a traumatic event still met with denial by some conservative voices (Han and Smith, 2016). The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, with each chapter introducing a new character who contributes to the larger narrative of Kwang Dong-ho, a young boy caught in turmoil (ibid). This layered storytelling reveals the far-reaching consequences of individual actions and memories within the framework of the violent uprising. Han’s portrayal of these events does not soften the visceral realities of political violence. Instead, she confronts the reader with a raw, unfiltered account of the massacres before and after, bringing to light the voices and experiences of survivors and victims who might otherwise remain silenced. The international recognition of Human Acts speaks to the power of literature as a means of bearing witness to historical trauma—allowing audiences around the world to engage with South Korea’s painful past and empathise with the resilience of those who endured it. Through this work, Han not only memorialises the tragedy but also invites readers to grapple with the personal and societal costs of such violence. Her commitment to amplifying the stories of the victims resonates strongly with South Korean readers, offering them a voice through which to process collective grief and confront historical truths. In the global literary landscape, Human Acts stands out as a testament to literature’s potential to honour the past, challenge denial, and cultivate understanding across cultural divides.

Little, Tom. “Books by South Korean writer Han Kang are displayed in the Swedish Academy after she was named the 2024 laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature”, Reuters, 2024.

Han Kang’s The Vegetarian, arguably her most famous novel, has cemented itself as a source of both pride and contemplation for South Korea, illustrating why her Nobel Prize recognition carries such weight for the nation’s literary legacy. The novel tells the story of two sisters, In-hye and Yeong-hye, as they struggle to find meaning within a society marked by intense pressures and rigid social expectations (Han and Smith, 2018). Through Yeong-hye’s rebellion against traditional norms, Han sheds light on the darker side of South Korea’s work-centric culture and the pressures of a hierarchical society—particularly for women. This stark contrast with the polished portrayals of beauty and success often seen in K-dramas and pop music allows The Vegetarian to question South Korean ideals and to challenge the superficial “standards” of modern society. The novel begins from the perspective of Yeong-hye’s husband, Mr. Cheong, who embodies the systemic misogyny ingrained in Korean society, viewing his wife as property rather than as an individual (Han and Smith, 2018). Han’s nuanced portrayal captures the subtle, everyday ways that misogyny seeps into interactions—where men’s attitudes and expectations serve to oppress without the need for overt violence. Her ability to detail these quiet yet insidious forms of oppression resonates deeply, addressing issues that have impacted generations of Korean women. Han Kang’s work transcends the bounds of traditional storytelling, her writing acts as a conduit for collective memory and societal critique.

 Through her art, Han gives voice to those who have felt trapped by oppressive norms, inviting readers not only to witness but also to empathise with these struggles. Her Nobel Prize win amplifies the significance of these themes on a global scale, securing her place in South Korea’s literary legacy and paving the way for more stories that expose and confront the complexities of Korean society.

Bibliography

Fu, M. (2024). Han Kang’s Nobel win underscores essential role of translators as literary tastemakers. [online] The Japan Times. Available at: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2024/10/11/books/han-kang-translation-nobel-literature/.

Han, K. and Smith, D. (2016). Human acts . New York: Hogarth.

Han, K. and Smith, D. (2018). The Vegetarian . London: Granta.

Lee, H.M. (2024). ‘한강, BTS, 블랙핑크’…세계로 뻗어가는 ‘K-컬처의 힘’ - 세계일보. [online] 세계일보. Available at: https://www.segye.com/newsView/20241011510022?OutUrl=naver.

Malm, M. (2024). The Nobel Prize in Literature 2024. [online] NobelPrize.org. Available at: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2024/press-release/.

team, G. community (2024). Tell us: what does Nobel laureate Han Kang’s literature mean to you? [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/oct/11/tell-us-what-does-nobel-laureate-han-kangs-literature-mean-to-you.

Ulaby , N. (2024). Han Kang becomes the first South Korean writer to win the Nobel Prize in literature. [online] NPR. Available at: https://www.npr.org/2024/10/10/nx-s1-5147254/nobel-prize-literature-han-kang.