Korean novelist Han Kang, who has made history as the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, has declined to hold a press conference or engage in celebratory events, citing the ongoing global conflicts.
Her decision, made in light of the wars between Ukraine and Russia and the intensifying conflict between Israel and Palestine, was conveyed by her father, Han Seung-won, himself a renowned novelist, during a press conference in South Jeolla Province.
Speaking at the Han Seung-won Literary School in Jangheung on Friday, the 85-year-old novelist relayed his daughter’s sentiments, revealing her unwillingness to celebrate at a time of great sorrow for many around the world.
“She told me, ‘With the war intensifying and people being carried out dead every day, how can we have a celebration or a press conference?’” he said.
This statement reflects Han Kang’s growing awareness of her global role as a writer, especially in a time of international strife.
The Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Han Kang on Thursday evening, and initial discussions had been held regarding a potential press conference.
However, following a conversation between Han Kang and her father, she changed her mind. While Han Seung-won advised her to collaborate with a publishing house to hold the event, she ultimately decided that it would be inappropriate given the current global climate.
Han Seung-won explained, “Her perspective has shifted from being a writer living in Korea to a global consciousness.” He acknowledged the personal difficulty of understanding his daughter’s decision, admitting, “I could not shake off the feeling of being the father of a prizewinner living in Korea, so I ended up arranging this press conference.” Despite his own excitement and pride, Han Kang’s message to the world remains one of introspection and caution.
Han Kang also requested that her father refrain from holding a celebratory banquet at the literary school. He had initially intended to host a party for local residents to commemorate the significant achievement, but Han Kang discouraged this, citing the tragic events unfolding in various parts of the world.
“She told me, ‘Please don’t celebrate while witnessing these tragic events. The Swedish Academy didn’t give me this award for us to enjoy, but to stay more clear-headed,’” her father recalled. He admitted that his daughter’s words deeply troubled him, as they underscored the gravity of the situation.
Despite being recognised with one of the most prestigious literary awards, Han Kang has refrained from making any official public statements beyond acknowledging her surprise and honour at receiving the prize. She received the news from the Nobel committee in a phone call on Thursday but has chosen to remain largely silent since then.
Multiple publishers, including Changbi Publishers, which released two of Han Kang’s most acclaimed works—Human Acts (2014) and The Vegetarian (2007)—had approached her about the possibility of holding a press conference. Munhakdongne Publishing, responsible for publishing her poetry collection and novel The Wind Is Blowing (2010), had also expressed interest. As of Friday afternoon, however, she had not responded to any of the offers.
Han Kang’s literary works have garnered international attention for their poignant exploration of human suffering, trauma, and survival.
Her 2007 novel, The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, delved into themes of individual rebellion, repression, and the impact of violence, setting her apart as one of the most significant voices in contemporary Korean literature. Human Acts, another highly acclaimed work, explored the Gwangju Uprising, further highlighting her focus on the pain and endurance of the human spirit in the face of atrocities.
Given the themes that pervade her writing, it is perhaps unsurprising that Han Kang would choose to decline a public celebration during times of conflict. The sensitivity she has shown towards global tragedies aligns with the moral and philosophical underpinnings of her literary career. By refusing to engage in celebratory events, she has emphasised the weight of her responsibility as a writer in the international arena.
This act of withdrawal from public recognition serves to highlight the ethical role that some writers may feel they must play, especially when faced with such vast human suffering. For Han Kang, the Nobel Prize is not merely a personal accolade but a call to reflect more deeply on the state of the world and her place within it.
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