Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature for Poetic Mastery
Han Kang Wins Nobel Prize in Literature for Poetic Mastery
On Thursday, Han Kang, the acclaimed South Korean author, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Nobel committee praised her for her "intense poetic prose" that confronts historical traumas and reveals the fragility of human life. At 53, Han has become a notable figure in literature, having previously won the International Booker Prize in 2016 for her unsettling novel, The Vegetarian, which explores the devastating consequences of a woman's decision to stop eating meat.
Significance of Han Kang's Win
Han Kang's victory brings a refreshing perspective to the Nobel Prize, which has often been criticized for its focus on Western writers. With this award, the committee not only honors Han's literary genius but also addresses the gender imbalance seen throughout its history, where only 17 of the 119 laureates have been women. In previous years, the prize has faced scrutiny for being too Eurocentric and male-dominated.
Upcoming Nobel Announcements
The Nobel Prize announcements continue, with other prestigious awards being presented this week. Notable winners include Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for medicine, and the physics prize awarded to pioneers of machine learning, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton. The Nobel Peace Prize announcement is expected soon, followed by the economics award on October 14.
The Nobel Prize carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor ($1 million), granted from the legacy of its founder Alfred Nobel. Laureates are invited to receive their awards during ceremonies on December 10, commemorating Nobel's death.This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.