South Korean writer Han Kang, who recently received the Nobel Prize for Literature, became the first person in the history of her country to be honored in this field. In an interview provided through the publishers, she shared her feelings after receiving the news of the high award. According to her, it was a surprise for her.
“I was surprised when I first received the news of my award. After I hung up the phone, reality and emotions slowly subsided.” Khan said in a statement released by her publishers.
Khan also expressed her gratitude for the many congratulations that have been pouring in from all over.
“I was also overwhelmed by the warm congratulations that poured in in a big wave. I want to express my deep gratitude”, – she noted.
The writer, known for her insightful prose that touches on the most painful historical traumas, decided not to hold a press conference in honor of the award. She explained this decision by the desire to respect those who are currently suffering from military conflicts in the world, in particular in Ukraine, Russia and Israel. Instead of traditional media interviews, Khan will share his thoughts during an official speech in Stockholm on December 10.
The Swedish Academy announced Han Kang, 53, as this year’s winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature for her “intense, poetic prose that confronts historical trauma and reveals the fragility of human life.” The award makes her the first Asian woman to be honored in the field of literature and the second South Korean to win the Nobel Prize. The first laureate was President Kim Dae-jung, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.
