South Korean author Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced today. The prestigious award was bestowed upon Han for her "intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life."

Born on November 27, 1970, in Gwangju, South Korea, Han Kang is widely recognized for her deeply moving works that delve into themes of violence, memory, and survival. Her writing, characterized by its emotional depth and lyrical style, has resonated with readers both in Korea and internationally.

At the time of the award, Han Kang resides in Seoul, where she continues to write in her native Korean. Her acclaimed novels, including The Vegetarian and Human Acts, have gained global attention for their exploration of complex human experiences, often reflecting on the painful history of South Korea, including the Gwangju Uprising of 1980.

The Nobel committee praised Han for her unique ability to blend the poetic with the profound, creating narratives that challenge readers to confront the darker aspects of humanity while simultaneously exploring the delicate nature of life itself.

Han Kang joins the ranks of other celebrated authors who have been recognized with the Nobel Prize in Literature, marking a significant achievement for both her and the Korean literary world.