Han Kang declines to celebrate Nobel Prize amid global wars

Han Kang is the first Korean woman to ever receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. However, she refuses to hold any press conference, and the reason is deeply significant.

Citing the global tragedies of the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Palestine conflict, the author refuses to speak or celebrate her award. This statement was conveyed by her father, Han Seung-won, during a press conference at the Han Seung-won Literary School. Han Seung-won, also a renowned novelist, said:

“Han Kang told me, ‘With war escalating and people dying every day, how can we celebrate or hold a press conference?’ She said she wouldn’t give any interviews.” He continued, explaining that after the award was announced, he advised her to work with a publisher to speak out. Initially, Han Kang agreed, saying she would try. However, this has not happened.

“She has shifted from being a writer living in Korea to holding a global literary conscience. I, however, couldn’t shake the feeling that I’m the father of an award-winning writer living in Korea, so I ended up organizing this press conference,” he stated. “I had planned to hold a party here for the locals, but my daughter asked me not to. She told me, ‘Please, don’t celebrate while witnessing these tragic events. The Swedish Academy didn’t give me this award for us to celebrate but to remain composed.’ After hearing that, I was deeply moved.”

It’s worth noting that since her award, Han Kang has made no statements other than expressing that she feels “surprised and honored.”

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