Han Kang, the first South Korean writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, shared her feelings for the first time on Friday evening. In a message from her publishers, Han said she was very thankful for all the congratulations she got from people around the world.
“I am very thankful to be chosen for this prize,” Han said. “So many kind words came in, and it felt like a huge wave. It surprised me.” She said she was shocked at first, and it took some time for her to feel that it was real.
Han will not have a press meeting in Seoul to talk about her prize. Her father, Han Seung-won, who is also a writer, explained this earlier in the day. He said that Han first thought about having a press meeting, but then changed her mind.
“She said her thinking changed from just being a writer in Korea to being part of the whole world,” her father said. “With all the wars happening right now, like in Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine, she felt it was not the right time to celebrate. She asked everyone to understand.”
Han will share more of her thoughts during her speech at the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm on December 10.
Munhakdongne Publishing has published some of Han’s books, like We Do Not Part, The White Book, and Greek Lessons. Changbi Publishers has released The Vegetarian and Human Acts.
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