[Event] Summary of Author Han Kang's Profile (ft. Nobel Prize in Literature, Major Works, Education, Family Relationship, Husband, Acceptance Speech)

Learn about the life of Nobel Prize winner Han Kang. This article covers her family, notable works, awards, and her husband.

1. Introduction to the Han River

Han Kang, the renowned Korean author, recently made history by becoming the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature . Her profound and moving writings have captivated readers around the world, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the fragility of life. Known for award-winning novels such as The Vegetarian, Han Kang’s work powerfully blends poetic prose with deeply personal themes, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.

2. Childhood & Education

Born on November 27, 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea, Han Kang grew up in a literary family that fostered a love of reading and writing.
Her father, Han Seung-won, is a famous novelist who inspired Han Kang since childhood. After completing her early education in Gwangju, she moved to Seoul and attended Poongmoon Girls ' High School. After that, she majored in Korean language and literature at Yonsei University, laying the foundation for her future as a writer. During her college years, Han Kang developed a deep appreciation for poetry, especially the Korean modernist poet Yi Sang, whose themes deeply influenced her novel The Vegetarian.

Her early poetry and short stories, including her debut work, _Winter in Seoul_, were published in _Literature and Society_ in 1993, marking the beginning of her literary career. Her experience at Yonsei University not only honed her literary skills but also immersed her in the Korean literary world, providing a solid foundation for her subsequent works.

3. Literary career and major works

Han Kang’s work explores themes of violence, trauma, and healing. Some of her most notable books include:

📌 The Vegetarian (2007): This novel won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize and is often cited as her masterpiece. It explores the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat after having disturbing dreams, triggering a series of events that affect her family.

📌 The Boy Comes (2014): A powerful exploration of the Gwangju Uprising, this novel depicts the brutal events from multiple perspectives and has been translated into several languages.



📌 Greek Hour (2011): Further solidifying her reputation as a profound storyteller with this moving tale of loss and communication .

4. Family background and personal life

Han Kang's family has deep roots in literature.

📌 Father Han Seung-won: A famous novelist known for works such as Jindallae and Jindallae, which gained considerable recognition in Korea.

📌 Husband Hong Yong-hee: Respected literary critic and professor at Kyunghee Cyber ​​University

Their shared passion for literature became an important aspect of their relationship, forming a strong intellectual and emotional bond.

Her husband , Hong Yong-hee, has been a silent yet strong supporter of Han Kang throughout her literary career, and has contributed to her creative journey from behind. Although he maintains a more private profile, he is well known for his contributions to Korean academia and literature.

The couple had a son together, and their family life reflects a deep love of literature, which they share with their son through a bookstore they run in Seoul. Hong Yong-hee’s constant support provided the emotional foundation for Han Kang to continue writing with confidence, even as her achievements were recognized internationally.

5. Awards and Comments

Han Kang's work has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including:

📌 Lee Sang Literary Award (2005) : Awarded for _Mongolmark_, part of _The Vegetarian_.

📌 Man Booker International Prize (2016) : Her work 'The Vegetarian' is the first Korean novel to win this prestigious award.

📌 Prix Medicis, Foreign Literature Award (2023) : She won this award for her novel _I Do Not Bid Farewell_, making her the first Korean to win a French literary award.

📌 Nobel Prize in Literature (2024): Her most significant achievement, this award celebrates her profound contributions to literature and establishes her as a global literary icon.

Meanwhile, Han Kang reportedly refused to hold a press conference or attend a Nobel Prize celebration event because of ongoing global conflicts, including the Ukraine War and the Israeli-Palestinian War. She said it was inappropriate to celebrate personal achievements, considering the suffering and tragedy occurring worldwide. Her father, novelist Han Seung-won, also said that the Nobel Prize should be an opportunity for reflection and global awareness, not a reason for celebration, in difficult times.

6. Nobel Prize in Literature: A Historic Achievement!

On October 10, 2024, Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for her “powerful poetic prose that confronts historical trauma and exposes the fragility of human life.” Her win was a historic moment, making her the first Asian woman to receive this prestigious award. In her acceptance speech, Han expressed gratitude for the recognition of Korean literature and dedicated her award to readers and writers around the world who continue to find comfort and inspiration in her writing. This Nobel Prize not only highlights her contributions to the world of literature, but also serves as a testament to the power of Korean storytelling.

We congratulate Han Kang on her incredible achievement and hope that her story will continue to resonate with audiences around the world!!

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