British translator Deborah Smith, widely recognized for translating The Vegetarian by South Korean author Han Kang, recently shared her reflections on Han’s historic Nobel Prize in Literature, marking her as the first Asian woman to win the award in 121 years. Smith expressed hope that Han’s win is a turning point for the literary world, bringing it closer to an era where recognition is based on literary merit rather than identity.

Smith noted that the Nobel Prize in Literature has traditionally favored Western male authors, often overlooking diverse voices. In her statement, she said, “Han Kang’s achievement reflects the potential of a literary world in which contributions are valued equally, transcending the limitations of geography, language, and gender.” For Smith, this win indicates progress toward inclusivity within global literary institutions.

Smith’s translation of The Vegetarian earned her and Han the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, drawing unprecedented attention to Han’s work in English-speaking countries. Since then, Smith has translated several of Han’s works, including Human Acts and The White Book, cementing her role in introducing Han to a wider global audience. Despite her close involvement in Han’s literary success, Smith has only briefly acknowledged Han’s Nobel Prize on her social media channels without extensive commentary.

In her recent statement, Smith described herself as “one of countless readers worldwide who cherish Han’s writing.” She explained that, unlike the Booker Prize, the Nobel honors an author’s entire body of work, not only a single novel, which amplifies the recognition of Han’s complete contributions to literature. Moreover, the Nobel Prize’s multilingual panel allows for broader linguistic inclusivity, enabling judges to consider literary works without reliance on translations.

Smith believes this linguistic diversity played a key role in Han’s recognition. She remarked, “English is not the center of the literary world.” Notably, Han’s latest work, We Do Not Part, has already been translated into Swedish, French, Norwegian, and Dutch, with the English translation set for release next year. For many Korean readers, however, Human Acts remains a powerful reflection on national trauma, cementing Han’s reputation as a voice of Korea’s historical and cultural experiences.

Smith expressed gratitude for the translators worldwide who contributed to Han’s literary reach, noting their crucial role in building global empathy through her works. She stated, “While it would be an honor to see translators recognized, it is important that their efforts are acknowledged accurately and without exaggeration.” She concluded by emphasizing that Han’s Nobel Prize serves as a validation of what many readers have long recognized: that her work is a monumental addition to world literature.

Sayart / Jason Yim, yimjongho1969@gmail.com