- Han Kang (Department of Korean Language and Literature, ‘89), First Asian Woman to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature October 11, 2024
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First Korean University Nobel Laureate in Literature: Pioneering a New Era in Global Literature
On October 10, alumna Han Kang (Korean Language and Literature, ‘89) became the first Asian woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Han’s award marks only the second time a Korean has won a Nobel Prize, following the 2000 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to former President Kim Dae-jung. This achievement establishes Yonsei University as the first Korean institution to produce a Nobel Laureate in Literature.
Han Kang, a graduate of Yonsei’s Department of Korean Language and Literature, has touched readers globally with her profound works. Her notable works include The Vegetarian, Human Acts, and I Do Not Bid Farewell. Her writing is celebrated for its deep exploration of the human condition, literary insight, and experimental style.
In 2016, Han became the first Korean to win the prestigious Man Booker International Prize. Her numerous accolades also include the Prix Medicis Literary Prize for Foreign Literature and the Emile Guimet Prize for Asian Literature, further contributing to the global recognition of Korean literature.
Han Kang has also shared her literary world with Yonsei University through events such as the 2023 book concert at the Underwood Memorial Library, and the special lecture "Yun Dong-ju and Me," held in 2017 to commemorate the poet’s 100th birthday.
Her Nobel Prize win reflects Yonsei University’s dedication to fostering creativity and intellectual rigor and its stature as a global academic leader.
Looking forward, Yonsei University remains committed to promoting the humanities and nurturing world-class talent as one of Korea’s leading academic institutions. -
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- MIRAE
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