South Korean author Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Nobel Committee announced today.
She was recognized for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” Han Kang, best known for her novel The Vegetarian, has become a significant voice in contemporary literature, using her works to explore the emotional aftermath of societal and personal traumas.
Her writing, often stark and lyrical, delves into themes of violence, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Nobel Committee praised Kang for her unique ability to blend historical memory with deeply personal narratives, reflecting South Korea’s tumultuous history while addressing universal themes of suffering and healing.
Her works, which have been translated into multiple languages, have garnered international acclaim for their powerful exploration of human fragility and survival in the face of overwhelming hardship.
Han Kang’s win marks a milestone for South Korean literature on the global stage, solidifying her reputation as one of the most influential authors of our time.