On October 10, 2024, Han Kang became the first Korean author to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. She was honored for “her intense poetic prose that confronts historical trauma and exposes the fragility of human life.”

What makes her prose so unique and distinctive? And what has enabled her works to transcend Korean literary boundaries and resonate with global audiences? Let’s explore the elements that set Han Kang’s literature apart.

Although Han Kang's works, often infused with sadness and melancholy, may not be easily accessible to all readers, they are recognized for their depth and philosophical undertones. The emotional strength and depth she conveys through every page make her novels more than just stories about fate; they open up philosophical questions about the nature of humanity. Through powerful language and emotions, Han Kang has made significant contributions to the exploration of the human spirit and psyche, tackling complex themes such as violence, trauma, individual freedom, and societal oppression. Her writing combines delicacy with intensity, expressing profound inner emotions in a way that creates a unique world.

To begin with, Han Kang's literature stands out for its bold and sensitive themes. Han Kang is unafraid to explore sensitive and complex topics. One of her most famous works, “The Vegetarian”, tells the story of a woman who, after experiencing a series of dark and bloody dreams, decides to stop eating meat to escape social and familial pressures, leading to psychological and physical conflict and breakdown. Similarly, in “Human Acts”, by depicting the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, Han Kang depicts violence and deep suffering in a politically oppressive context. She raises philosophical questions about human nature and existence in a repressive society: Are humans inherently good, or simply “cruel beings by nature?”

One of Han Kang's literary strengths is her ability to convey profound feelings through refined yet powerful language, exemplifying intense emotions and delicate expression. In “The White Book”, she uses images associated with the color white, such as snow, breast milk, and skin, to depict the fragility of life and death. The book is not just about color; it is an emotional journey into loss and death. This gentle yet profound style illustrates her ability to portray the complex human psyche with remarkable subtlety.

The connection between humans and nature often plays a symbolic role in Han Kang’s works, reflecting human struggles and transformation. In “The Vegetarian”, the protagonist merges with nature as a way to escape societal and familial pressures. Nature is not merely a backdrop but a symbol of the freedom sought by the protagonist, creating a deep connection between humans and the environment. Similarly, in “The White Book”, the whiteness of snow and nature-related imagery conveys the stillness of pain and death.

Han Kang's works often bear a strong philosophical imprint, reflecting existential questions about life, existence, and human nature. In “Human Acts”, through characters affected by violence and political oppression, she delves into questions about the meaning of life and human suffering in a crisis-ridden society. The work serves not only as a historical narrative but also as an exploration of how humans confront brutality and death. The image of Dong-ho's soul wandering between two worlds raises profound questions about human existence after death and the endless suffering of those who remain alive.

Finally, her literature often reflects the contradictions within modern Korean society, particularly the pressures faced by women from family and society. “The Vegetarian” is a prime example of a character’s resistance to societal expectations and norms. In “Human Acts”, she critiques political repression and the prolonged suffering of victims in Korean society, presenting a comprehensive picture of individuals' struggles against social pressures.

Han Kang's success in exploring and expressing the hidden corners of human psychology and society has brought her to the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024. With her unique creative style and daring themes, she has transcended traditional literary boundaries, giving voice to the oppressed and suppressed. Works like “The Vegetarian”, “Human Acts”, and “The White Book” not only depict the complexity of humanity but also raise significant questions about the meaning of existence in contemporary society.

Nguyen Thi Thu Van, PhD

- Bachelor's degree in Korean Studies, Master's degree, and PhD in Anthropology.

- Currently a professor at the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture, University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, specializing in Korean studies, Translation studies, and Interpretation studies.  

- Member of the Vietnam Writers Association and the Hanoi Writers Association.  

- She has a particular interest in Korean literature and poetry. She is a renowned translator of many beloved Korean literary works that are warmly received and loved by readers in Vietnam.

- Despite her active work as a translator of Korean literature, she is also a prominent researcher in various fields, including family and gender studies, social policy, Korean studies, and Translation studies.

- She has presented valuable academic research on family and gender studies, Anthropology, Korean studies, and Translation studies in several academic journals, including the Vietnam Journal of Anthropology, Journal of Family and Gender Studies, Northeast Asia Journal, Psychology Journal, and at international conferences in Vietnam, Korea, Australia, France, and other countries.

/응웬티투번 박사 

하노이국립외국어대학교 한국어∙문화학부 교수, 한국문학 번역작가

-편집인 박상준 주: 응웬티투번 박사는 한국의 소설가 한강이 2024년 노벨문학상을 수상한 것은, 한강의 작품이 국경을 초월하여 인간과 사회의 깊이를 꿰뚫는 능력이 있기 때문이며, 그것은 시대적 아픔에 대하여 '침묵한 삶들에게 강력한 목소리를 전달' 했기 때문이라고 분석하였다. 또한 응웬티투번 박사는 본지와의 인터뷰를 통해서 현대사회에도 사회적인 압박을 받는 소외된 약자들이 있기 때문에, 소설 속의 메세지가 화석화된 과거의 목소리가 되지 않았고 현재에도 영향력을 만들어낼 수 있었던 것 같다고 하였다.