South Korean author Han Kang wins Nobel Prize in Literature

South Korean author Han Kang has been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her "intense poetic prose" that explores historical traumas and the fragility of human life, as recognized by the Swedish Academy. Han, 53, is the first South Korean recipient of the Nobel in Literature and the 18th woman to win since 1901, receiving a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million). Starting her career in poetry, Han transitioned to prose in 1995. Her novel The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, brought her global acclaim. The Academy commended her unique insight into the connection between body, soul, life, and death.