Han Kang has made history as the first Korean and the first Asian female writer to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her monumental achievement has not only brought personal glory but has also elevated the status of Korean literature globally. Following the announcement, interest in Han's works and K-literature as a whole has surged, sparking discussions on the need for greater support for the publishing industry.

The award ceremony, held on December 10, 2024, in Stockholm, Sweden, saw Han Kang receiving the Nobel Prize medal and diploma from King Carl XVI Gustaf. During her introduction, Ellen Mattson of the Nobel Committee for Literature described Han’s voice as “gentle yet unspeakably harrowing, capturing loss and cruelty in a way that transforms them into questions of human responsibility.” Mattson noted Han’s recurring use of red and white in her works as symbols of historical trauma and resilience, adding, “Her characters, though fragile and wounded, find the strength to ask necessary questions and confront the unbearable.”

In her acceptance speech at the Nobel Banquet, Han reflected on the transformative power of literature, stating, “Even in the darkest nights, language exists to question what we are made of. Literature connects us, asking us to imagine from the perspective of others—humans and non-humans alike. This act of writing and reading inherently opposes all that destroys life.”

Han also addressed the turmoil of the 1980s during a press conference held after the award ceremony. Speaking about the events following the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, she said, “I witnessed unarmed civilians standing before armored vehicles and soldiers, attempting to halt violence with their bare hands. Their courage and sincerity were unforgettable.” Her comments emphasized literature’s role in reflecting and responding to periods of societal upheaval, resonating deeply with audiences.

The impact of Han’s recognition has been immediate and widespread. Her works, including The Vegetarian, Human Acts, and Greek Lessons, have dominated bestseller lists in South Korea. According to Kyobo Bookstore and Yes24’s annual sales analysis, Human Acts took the top spot for 2024, followed closely by The Vegetarian and Greek Lessons. In just two months since the Nobel announcement, Human Acts alone became the year’s highest-selling book.

This success has also bolstered overall interest in Korean literature. Excluding Han’s books, sales of Korean novels, poetry, and plays increased by 13.7% compared to the same period last year. Notably, the fiction category saw a 35.7% rise, while poetry and essays—previously on a three-year decline—experienced a 17.1% growth, a phenomenon now referred to as the “Han Kang Effect.”

Han’s Nobel win has also catalyzed the international expansion of Korean literature. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, inquiries into Korean book rights reportedly tripled, particularly from publishers in Europe and North America. Recent high-profile deals include a ₩200 million advance for Kang Ji-young’s Madam Sim, the Killer with Knopf Doubleday, and a ₩100 million advance for Song Yoo-jung’s Memory Bookshop with HarperCollins UK.

Recognizing the significance of these developments, the South Korean government has announced plans to increase funding for translation and overseas publishing by 30%. Efforts are underway to establish a translation graduate school and provide tax incentives for book production. Additionally, the new legislation aims to support the publishing industry and foster the emergence of the next Han Kang.

Han’s Nobel Prize win is not just a triumph for her as an individual but a transformative moment for Korean literature, opening doors for greater global recognition and setting the stage for future generations of writers.

Sayart / Joy, nunimbos@gmail.com