South Korean author Han Kang made headlines on October 10 after being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. However, she chose not to hold a press conference or any celebrations, citing the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas situation as reasons why it was inappropriate to celebrate. Han also urged her father, the renowned novelist Han Seung-won, to refrain from any festivities.
At a press conference held at the Han Seung-won Literary School in Jeollanam-do, Han Seung-won conveyed Han Kang’s message. He stated, “(Han Kang) told me that with the intensifying conflicts and bodies being carried away every day, how can we hold a celebration or a press event?”
Initially, following the announcement of her Nobel Prize, Han Seung-won had suggested that she hold a press conference at a publishing house. While Han Kang initially agreed and expressed her intention to “give it a try,” she changed her mind overnight.
Han Seung-won reflected on his daughter’s evolving perspective, noting, “Han Kang’s mindset has shifted from that of a writer living in South Korea to that of a global writer. However, I cannot escape the feelings of being a father of a Nobel laureate living in Korea, so I ultimately held this press conference.”
Han Kang also advised her father against hosting a celebration at the literary school. Han Seung-won shared, “I had planned to throw a party for the local community, but my daughter told me not to. She said, ‘Please do not celebrate in the face of these tragedies,’ referring to the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict. She emphasized that receiving this award from the Swedish Academy is not about enjoying but about keeping a more awake mind. Hearing that deeply troubled me.”
According to reports, several publishers, including Creative Press, which published Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts,” as well as Literary Village, which released “The Wind Blows, Let’s Go” and her poetry collection, also encouraged her to hold a press conference. However, as of the afternoon of October 11, Han Kang had yet to respond.
