7 Facts About Han Kang, First  Female Asian to win the Nobel Prize Winner

On October 10, 2024, Han Kang, a talented novelist from South Korea, made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her unique writing style and deep exploration of human experiences earned her this prestigious award.

This is the first time an Asian woman has won the Nobel Prize in Literature, one of the most esteemed awards in the world, established in 1901 to honor those who have made significant contributions to humanity. The prize includes a cash award of SEK 11 million (approximately HK$ 8 million).

Here’s what you should know about Han Kang—her most famous book, her journey from being a blacklisted author to becoming a renowned name, and what to anticipate from her upcoming work set to release in January 2025. Here are seven essential facts about Han Kang that highlight her remarkable journey and achievements.

A Historic Win for South Korea

Han Kang’s Nobel Prize win is a moment of great pride for South Korea. She is not only the first woman from Asia to win the Nobel Prize in Literature but also the first South Korean to receive this honor. Prior to her, only 17 women had ever been awarded this prestigious prize compared to 103 men. Her recognition is celebrated as a significant milestone in the history of Korean literature, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol calling it a “great achievement.”

A Surprising Reaction

When Han Kang learned about her Nobel Prize win, she expressed her surprise and honor. Instead of holding a press conference, she chose to reflect on the global conflicts affecting many lives. Her father, Han Seung-won, conveyed her feelings during a press event, stating that she felt it was not the right time for celebration given the ongoing tragedies around the world, such as the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Previous International Recognition

Han Kang is not new to international accolades. In 2016, she won the Man Booker International Prize for her novel The Vegetarian. This book tells the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat, which causes upheaval in her family and shows themes of identity and societal norms. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative style and poignant language, making it a standout work that captivated readers around the globe.

A Versatile Writer

Han Kang has shown her versatility by writing in various genres. She began her literary journey in 1993, publishing poems and short stories. Her first collection, A Love of Yeosu, released in 1995, reflected her keen observations of the world. Since then, she has published numerous works, including novels, essays, and poetry, showcasing her ability to engage with diverse themes and narratives.

A Literary Family Background

Han Kang comes from a family rich in literary talent. Her father, Han Seung-won, is an established novelist known for his stories about people’s struggles against fate. Both her older brother and younger brother are also involved in writing, one as a novelist and the other as a novelist and cartoonist. Growing up surrounded by books in Korean and other languages, Han was inspired to pursue a literary career herself.

Overcoming Adversity

Han Kang’s path to success has not been without challenges. At one point, she found herself on a cultural blacklist during the administration of former president Park Geun-hye. This was due to her 2014 novel, Human Acts, which depicted the tragic events of the May 18 Democracy Movement in Gwangju. Despite being excluded from literary support and facing censorship, she persevered and continued to write powerful narratives that resonated with many readers.

Upcoming Work

Looking ahead, Han Kang is set to release a new novel titled We Do Not Part on January 21, 2025. This book explores the friendship between two women against the backdrop of South Korea’s complex and painful history. As fans eagerly anticipate her next work, it is clear that Han Kang will continue to be a significant voice in literature.