Han Kang, the recent recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature, addressed the press at the Stockholm Stock Exchange, fielding questions largely dominated by the political upheaval in her home city of Seoul, South Korea. The nation had been on edge following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s announcement of impending martial law, triggering mass protests outside the parliament building. Kang expressed shock and admiration for the protestors, describing the scene as ”astounding” and praising their bravery in facing down armed military personnel with nothing but their bare hands.
Even after the parliament unanimously rejected the proposed martial law and the president rescinded his decision, the protests continued, fueled by anxiety over the president’s future actions. Kang described a poignant scene of young police and soldiers interacting with the protestors, with the latter bidding farewell to the former ”as if they were their own children” as the military withdrew. This atmosphere of uncertainty gripped the nation, recalling the turbulent period of 1979-1980, marked by the assassination of the then-president, a subsequent coup d’état, and violent student demonstrations. Kang noted a key difference between the two eras: the pervasiveness of recording devices in 2024, ensuring the events are documented and witnessed by many.
The author, known for exploring themes of violence, identity, and trauma in her work, emphasized the vital role of literature in times of unrest. She described literature not as a mere pastime but as a ”necessity” to hold onto, a source of strength and a means to strive for solutions. Kang’s own work, including her internationally acclaimed novel ”The Vegetarian,” reflects this engagement with difficult subjects. The book, a visceral depiction of resistance and refusal centered on a woman who abruptly decides to stop eating meat, has been banned in several South Korean schools and libraries due to its graphic content. Kang expressed pain at being blacklisted while simultaneously acknowledging the authority of librarians and emphasizing the importance of books for fostering understanding, empathy, and harmony.
The press conference also provided Kang with an opportunity to address misconceptions that arose after the Nobel announcement. Initially portrayed as a reclusive figure reluctant to celebrate due to the troubled global climate, Kang clarified that she did indeed celebrate, albeit in a low-key manner, preferring a quiet approach over the large celebration her family had envisioned. Facing the daunting reality of her new status as a Nobel laureate, Kang has adopted a pragmatic approach, viewing the prize as an accolade for literature itself, with her being the recipient this year. This perspective, she explains, allows her to continue writing without undue pressure.
Beyond the immediate political concerns and the whirlwind of the Nobel announcement, Kang expressed her enthusiasm for exploring Stockholm during her visit. She shared her plans to visit the Royal Library, Astrid Lindgren’s apartment, and to further explore the city, having previously only had a single afternoon free during a prior visit, which she spent at Junibacken, a children’s museum dedicated to the works of Astrid Lindgren. This reveals a lighter side to the author whose works often delve into dark and complex themes.
Despite the gravity that permeates her writing, Han Kang maintains a persistent search for light, even amidst challenging times. This is reflected in her poignant question, ”Is there any hope left?” And in the very act of posing this question, she finds a glimmer of optimism, demonstrating a belief in the enduring power of hope, even in the face of adversity. This unwavering hope, coupled with her dedication to literature and her thoughtful reflections on the political turmoil in her homeland, paint a portrait of a writer deeply engaged with the world around her. Her upcoming days in Stockholm promise not only a celebration of literary achievement but also a continued exploration of the complexities of human experience, both in the pages of her books and in the realities of a world grappling with uncertainty and change.
