
The Korean author Han Kang (54) has made history by becoming the first Korean writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. This groundbreaking achievement has sent ripples through the global literary world and brought immense pride and joy to readers in Korea and beyond.
With Han Kang’s win, the Korean literary scene has gained newfound international recognition, inspiring a wave of enthusiasm among publishers, booksellers, and readers alike.
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Han Kang’s Works Dominate Bestseller Lists
Following the Nobel Prize announcement, readers flocked to purchase Han Kang’s books, causing a massive surge in sales across major bookstores and online platforms in Korea.
At Yes24, Han Kang’s The Vegetarian (revised edition) shot to the top of the real-time bestseller list immediately after the announcement. Her other renowned works, including The Boy Is Coming, White (revised edition), I Do Not Bid Farewell, I Put an Evening in the Drawer, and Greek Lessons, quickly followed suit, dominating the rankings.
Kyobo Bookstore experienced a similar phenomenon. Han Kang’s books, led by The Vegetarian, claimed all top spots in the real-time bestseller list. Within just 30 minutes of the announcement, all stock of The Vegetarian was sold out. The overwhelming demand led online bookstores such as Yes24 and Aladin to begin pre-orders to meet customer requests.
This unprecedented wave of interest underscores not only the appeal of Han Kang’s works but also a renewed interest in Korean literature.
A Lifeline for Publishers and Bookstores
For the struggling publishing and bookstore industries, Han Kang’s Nobel win is being hailed as “a much-needed rain in a drought.” Publishers and bookstores have acted swiftly to promote her literary achievements and connect with readers.
Changbi, the publisher of The Vegetarian and The Boy Is Coming, celebrated the news on social media, stating, “Han Kang, who has moved the world with her unique literary universe, has become Korea’s first Nobel Prize winner in Literature.”
In Seoul’s Kyobo Bookstore Gwanghwamun branch and other major stores, special corners dedicated to Her works drew crowds of curious readers on their way home from work.

Nobel Committee Praises The Boy Is Coming
Anna Karin Palm, a member of the Nobel Literature Committee, highlighted The Boy Is Coming as a particularly noteworthy work during the announcement.
She described the novel as “a profoundly moving and, at times, harrowing story based on the historical tragedy of the Gwangju Uprising in 1980, when the Korean military brutally suppressed students and civilians demanding democracy and human rights.”
Palm continued, “With soft yet precise prose, Han Kang confronts the noise of oppressive power, presenting a powerful counter-narrative. She masterfully explores how the living and the dead intertwine and how the trauma of such events lingers across generations and communities.”
Han Kang’s Literary Significance
Han Kang’s Nobel Prize win is an unprecedented milestone in Korean literary history, showcasing the universal appeal of Korean storytelling. Through her unique and poetic style, Han Kang delves into themes of pain, sacrifice, and resilience, resonating deeply with readers worldwide.
The Vegetarian, a symbolic exploration of desire, repression, and resistance, brought her international acclaim. Meanwhile, The Boy Is Coming examines the human condition amidst historical tragedy, evoking profound emotional responses from readers.
Her other works, such as White and Greek Lessons, further push the boundaries of modern literature, weaving narratives about life, death, language, and memory.
The Significance of Han Kang Fever
Han Kang’s Nobel win is not just a literary triumph; it marks a turning point for global recognition of Korean culture and history. Her works are now poised to reach an even broader audience, sparking curiosity about Korea’s unique literary voice.
Publishers and industry experts anticipate that this moment will pave the way for more Korean authors to enter the global literary scene. Particularly, works like The Boy Is Coming, which tackle historical and cultural themes, are expected to serve as gateways for readers worldwide to better understand Korea’s modern history and cultural identity.
Conclusion
Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature is a defining moment for Korean literature, opening new horizons for its global presence. As her works continue to captivate readers, Han Kang’s literary achievements are expected to inspire future generations of Korean writers and cement Korea’s place in the global literary landscape.
This is only the beginning of her legacy, and her accomplishments will undoubtedly echo in the annals of literature for years to come.