The Swedish Academy stunned the literary world on Thursday by announcing that South Korean author Han Kang had emerged as the 2024 laureate of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Han Kang's "intensely poetic prose, which confronts the depths of historical traumas and lays bare the fragile threads of human existence," was hailed as the cornerstone of her prestigious accolade, declared Permanent Secretary Mats Malm amidst the historic announcement in Stockholm's storied Old Town.
Han Kang becomes the 18th female writer to grace the Nobel's literary throne and the inaugural female laureate of this year's Nobel festivities. She shatters glass ceilings as the first Korean to claim this esteemed honor, her journey etched in the annals of literature from her birthplace in Gwangju to her current residence in Seoul.
In 2016, Han Kang already etched her name in literary brilliance when she won the Man Booker International Prize for "The Vegetarian," a novel that delves into the profound transformation of a woman who forsakes meat, unraveling the intricate web of personal consequences that ensue.
The Nobel Prize in Literature, a treasure trove of 11 million Swedish krona ($1.06 million), now adorns her accomplishments. German literary critic Denis Scheck hailed the choice as impeccable, stating, "The academy has deftly struck a chord with the selection of Han Kang, a truly Nobel-caliber author whose narratives shimmer with extraordinary beauty." The surprise, he noted, was "a delightful one indeed."
Following in the footsteps of luminaries like Norwegian novelist Jon Fosse (2023) and French autobiographical master Annie Ernaux (2022), Han Kang joins the ranks of the esteemed 121 Nobel laureates in literature since its inception in 1901. This prestigious list boasts names synonymous with greatness, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre, and even unconventional recipients like former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and American musician Bob Dylan.
Earlier this week, the Nobel scientific awards in medicine, physics, and chemistry were announced, all bestowed upon male recipients, setting the stage for Han Kang's triumphant announcement in literature. The Nobel Peace Prize awaits in Oslo on Friday, while the final accolade of the season—the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, generously donated by the Swedish central bank—will be unveiled on Monday, once again in Stockholm.
On December 10, the anniversary of the great Alfred Nobel's passing, the prestigious Nobel medals will be awarded in a grand ceremony, celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary individuals and honoring the memory of the prize's visionary founder. Each category shines with the glow of 11 million kronor, a testament to the enduring value of intellectual pursuits and human ingenuity.
