Nobel Prize-Winning Author Han Kang: "I Write to Confront Korea's Painful Moments"

Acclaimed author Han Kang recently shared her thoughts on Korean society and her creative process.

In a January 21 interview with The New York Times titled A Nobel Prize Winner Unpacking the Nightmares of Her Country and Herself, Han reflected on her journey as a writer, her connection to Korea's painful history, and her upcoming U.S. release of Greek Lessons.

Han revealed that after publishing Human Acts, she was haunted by recurring nightmares. "I dreamt of a snow-covered hill filled with thousands of dark, terrifying tree trunks, and a sea engulfing me," she said. Seeking clarity, she visited Jeju Island, a place that unexpectedly became central to her novel The White Book.

Han recalled renting a modest room overlooking the ocean at the age of 26, where she heard a life-changing story. "The landlady pointed to a wall near a hackberry tree in the village center and said, 'That winter, people were shot and killed right there.' Her words stayed with me," Han shared.

These haunting images and stories inspired her exploration of time, memory, and the intertwined nature of life and death. "Writing about Korea's painful moments allowed me to feel deeply connected to victims of atrocities and those who remember them," Han said, emphasizing that her work transcends Korean history to touch on universal human experiences.

Han also reflected on her writing process: "These days, I’m trying to return to a quiet life of writing—observing how people live, enjoying a degree of anonymity, and writing freely without burdens. That’s the best environment for a writer."

Her perspective highlights the delicate balance between confronting history and crafting a creative sanctuary, resonating with readers around the world.