Hankang 'The Vegetarian' Review SouthKorea Novel Prize Literature

2024 Nobel Prize in Literature: A Historic Achievement for Han Kang

Hello, dear readers! 🌟

The announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature has just come in, and the recipient is none other than Han Kang, the acclaimed South Korean author. She has been honored for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” This recognition is not just a personal milestone for Han but also a significant moment for Korean literature on the global stage.

Han Kang's Literary Journey

At 53 years old, Han Kang began her literary career with a collection of poems published in a South Korean magazine. She made her prose debut in 1995 with a short story collection. Over the years, she has gained international acclaim, most notably with her novel “The Vegetarian,” which was one of her first works to be translated into English. This novel, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, tells the story of a young woman striving to lead a more “plant-like” existence after being plagued by disturbing nightmares of human cruelty.

Han Kang is not only the first South Korean author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature but also one of just 18 women to receive this honor since its inception in 1901. The prize, announced in Sweden, comes with a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million).

National Pride and Recognition

In a statement posted on Facebook, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol described Han’s win as “a great achievement in the history of Korean literature” and a “national occasion.” He expressed that Han has turned the painful scars of South Korea’s modern history into great literature, highlighting the profound impact of her work on the nation.

Much of Han’s writing delves into existential questions, often voiced by characters grappling with their identity and desires. For instance, in her 2019 novel “Europa,” a character plagued by nightmares asks, “If you were able to live as you desire, what would you do with your life?”

The Unique Narrative Style

While many of Han's protagonists are women, her prose often features male perspectives, creating a multifaceted exploration of human experience. “Before my wife turned vegetarian, I’d always thought of her as completely unremarkable in every way,” begins “The Vegetarian.” This narrative choice challenges readers to reconsider assumptions and delve deeper into the characters’ psyches.

“The Vegetarian” was originally written in Korean and translated into English by Deborah Smith, who was only 28 at the time of translation. Smith, who described herself as “monolingual until the age of 21,” chose to study Korean due to the scarcity of English-Korean translators. The Swedish Academy praised Han's work for her “unique awareness of the connections between body and soul, the living and the dead.” They acknowledged her “poetic and experimental style,” stating that she has become an innovator in contemporary prose.

Recommendations and Popularity

Anna-Karin Palm, a member of the Nobel Committee for Literature, suggested that readers unfamiliar with Han’s work should start with “Human Acts,” a novel reflecting on the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, during which more than 100 civilians lost their lives in pro-democracy demonstrations in South Korea. Palm noted that “Human Acts” illustrates how the living and the dead are intertwined, showing how historical traumas linger in a population across generations.

Interestingly, Han's “intense, lyrical” writing provides a form of consolation amidst historical violence. Palm remarked, “Her very tender, precise prose in itself almost becomes a counterforce to the brutal noisiness of power.”

Following the announcement of Han’s Nobel Prize win, her books surged in popularity in South Korea. As of Friday morning, her works occupied all the top ten spots on the popular online retailer Yes24’s chart for Korean titles. In just 14 hours after the news broke, three of her books—“Human Acts,” “The Vegetarian,” and “I Do Not Bid Farewell”—achieved combined sales of 70,000 copies.

Public Reaction and Celebrations

The excitement surrounding Han's achievement resonated throughout South Korea. At the flagship Kyobo Book Centre in Seoul, shoppers expressed their pride. High-school teacher Choi Ji-hye shared, “I’m very proud of her,” while engineering student Kim Jee-heon expressed a newfound interest in Han's work after hearing of her Nobel Prize win.

Many high-profile figures, including K-pop stars RM and V from the group BTS, took to social media to congratulate Han. V shared on Instagram, “I read ‘Human Acts’ in the army. Congratulations!”

The Selection Process

Before the announcement, Ellen Mattson, another member of the Nobel Committee, explained how the judging panel selects the literature laureate each year. The process begins with a long list of around 220 names, which is narrowed down with the help of experts from various fields. Eventually, the committee settles on about 20 names and then reduces it to a shortlist of five authors. Each committee member then reads the complete works of these five writers before deciding on the winner.

Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, revealed that when he called Han to congratulate her, she was having an ordinary day, having just finished dinner with her son. She was taken by surprise but has since begun discussing preparations for the award ceremony.

The Nobel Prize award ceremony is set to take place in Stockholm on December 10, marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. As we await this prestigious event, let us celebrate Han Kang's remarkable achievement and the profound impact her literature continues to have on readers around the world.